job interview questions for nursing

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30 Top Nursing Interview Questions & Answers | 2024

Types of Interview Questions
Question Themes
How to Answer
Common Interview Questions & Answers

Questions to Ask the Employer

Things to do before leaving the interview.

Interview Prep

Wondering which nursing interview questions you might be asked at your next job interview? You've come to the right place. Read on for the top nursing interview questions and answers to help you nail that next interview.

Types of Nursing Interview Questions

Healthcare employers tend to lean towards asking behavioral-based interview questions.

Behavioral-based questions are about how you acted in a specific situation. The goal is to gauge how you react under different circumstances. It is best to answer these questions with real-life stories and examples.

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Nursing Interview Question Themes

Most behavioral interview questions asked of nurses are based on the following themes:

Patient-care
Adaptability
Time management
Communication style
Motivation and core values

How to Answer Behavioral-Based Questions

When telling stories during interviews, we suggest using the S-T-A-R format - this will ensure your story is direct, concise and to the point. So, what does the acronym S-T-A-R stand for?

A ction-steps

You can learn more about answering interview questions by using the S-T-A-R format by reading our complete guide to nursing interviews.

30 Common Nursing Interview Questions & Answers

Teamwork questions
Patient care questions
Adaptability questions
Time management questions
Communication style questions
Motivation and core values questions

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Teamwork

Interviewers want to envision how you will fit in with their team and how you work well with various personalities. We suggest telling a story about a time you dealt with a co-worker who had a conflicting personality, a disagreement within your healthcare team, or a challenging patient case involving your team. Always remember to talk about what you learned from the situation and if anything positive came from it.

1. Describe a situation when you had to work closely with a difficult coworker. How did you handle the situation? Were you able to build a relationship with this person?

Never talk badly about anyone during an interview. Explain the situation and why the individual was difficult. Share how you handled the situation. Try to turn anything negative into a positive. What did you learn from the situation? What might you do differently now? What was the “silver lining”? Were you able to talk through your differences? Did you become friends?

Sample answer:

Working closely with difficult coworkers can be challenging, but it is important to remember the patient, their care, and their family is most important. Putting aside differences is essential for all nurses because not everyone is the same. Sometimes this means not discussing specific topics such as religion or politics at work. With that being said, not everyone will become friends in the workplace but working together is key for the successful care of patients.

2. Talk about a conflict within your healthcare team. What was the conflict, and how did you handle it?

Explain the conflict surrounding the situation. Who was involved? What was your role? Did anything positive come from this? What did you learn?

Conflict often occurs in the hospital setting, particularly between new nurses and more seasoned staff, as well as doctors and nurses. At one specific time, there was concern from a parent that a newer nurse was not monitoring a patient’s breathing postoperatively as closely as she would have liked.

I was covering the nurse for lunch and the mother brought her concerns to me. I discussed and validated her concerns. Once the nurse was back from lunch, I spoke with her regarding the mother’s concerns. The nurse was very upset and felt it was not my place to say anything to her regarding this. A parent or patient’s concerns should never be dismissed. I spoke to the nurse educator on the unit to use the opportunity as a teaching moment.

3. Describe a time when you were particularly proud of your healthcare team. What was your role in this situation?

Describe the circumstances and actions step-by-step. What happened to make you feel proud? What was your role? Who was involved? What was the result?

Working in the ICU setting, there are countless moments that make me proud to be a nurse and proud to be part of this amazing community. Watching a patient survive a code, take their first steps on prosthetic legs, or be in the room when a patient I tell is receiving a new heart is the moment we all want to be a part of. Even if I am not delivering the news or caring personally, the information my patient receives directly affects me.

4. Tell me about a time you stepped into a leadership role.

This doesn’t need to be anything official. Think about a time when you stepped up to the plate and took charge of a situation. What was the circumstance? What made you take the lead? Who was involved? Did any opportunities arise from this situation?

I have acted as a charge nurse numerous times in my career. I have had to lead code teams, respond to rapid responses, and make difficult staffing decisions. As a charge nurse I have determined patient assignments to ensure that assignments are fair and equal. Furthermore, I have to ensure that the nurses’ skill set is sufficient for the assignment.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Patient Care

Healthcare hiring professionals want to hire nurses who provide excellent patient care. Education is of utmost importance to healthcare employers. We suggest telling stories about times you provided top-notch patient care or went out of your way to educate patients and/or their families.

1. Tell me about a time when a patient’s family was dissatisfied with your care. How did you handle that situation?

Make sure to explain the situation in detail, including both perspectives (the patient’s family and yours). Never talk badly about patients or their families. Take ownership if you indeed did something wrong. Share any positives that came from this - what did you learn? What would you do differently now? How did you turn this into a positive?

I once was floated to a unit that I had never worked in and wasn’t sure where supplies were located. The patient's mother did not recognize me as a regular floor nurse on the unit, which already made the family leery of me from the start of the shift. I continually had to prove myself throughout the day because, as nurses, we all do things slightly differently.

There is not always a wrong way or a right way to do things but in this case, there was a policy to be followed. I followed it, and apparently, my dressing change was slightly different than the previous ones. I communicated regularly with the charge nurse, and she came to check in with the family to address any issues in real time.

2. What approach do you take in communicating with people who do not know medical jargon? Give an example of a time you explained medical terminology to someone who is not medically trained.

Explain step-by-step how you’ve performed in a similar situation. What specific words and terminology did you use? How did you know that the individual understood your explanation?

It is imperative that we use simple words for our patients and families who are not medically trained and utilize a teach-back method to ensure they understand the information that is communicated to them. I once had to explain post-operative care to a family whose child had tonsil surgery. I had to use words such as poop instead of bowel movement. I used Tylenol instead of acetaminophen.

3. Describe a time you provided effective patient or family education.

Tell a story about a time when you knew your patient or family retained your teachings. How did you know that you effectively communicated the piece of education?

After teaching families, I ask them to repeat the information in their own words. Using a teach-back method allows nurses to know if families truly understood the information that was given to them. It is also important to provide the family with written educational material and use other forms of education, such as videos or hands-on, when possible.

I taught a family post-operative spine care after a posterior spinal fusion. The parents were able to properly demonstrate how to transfer their child from the bed to the chair. In doing so, I was able to determine that they had retained the information.

4. Talk about a time a patient or their family was particularly pleased and appreciative of your care.

Tell a story about a family who was happy with your care. What did you do in particular that they were pleased with? How did you know they were happy? What were the results of this situation?

Working in pediatrics can be challenging but also very rewarding. There are times when parents are unable to stay at the bedside 24/7 because of work, other children, or previous commitments.

I was taking care of a 6-month-old twin during a specific shift. The family was unable to be at the bedside because the father had to work, and the mother was at home with the twin sister and the other children. I spent my shift playing with the infant with age-appropriate toys, and when the mother called to check in – I put the phone next to the infant. The mother was able to hear her baby laughing while singing to her. This brought them closer together and the mother to tears. She stated that no other nurse had done that during the hospitalization, and she was eternally grateful.

5. Give an example of a time you had to interact with a hostile patient. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

Tell a story about a hostile patient and your step-by-step actions. What was the patient doing that was hostile? How did you react? How did you feel? What procedures did you follow to interact with the patient? What was the result of your actions?

Unfortunately, hostile patients often are part of the job. It’s important to remember some of the patients are being hostile because they are in pain, away from family, and in the hospital setting.

T here was a time when a patient refused to take her medication. I tried everything, but she would spit them out at me when she tried to take them. Because of this behavior, I involved my charge nurse, the physician in charge of her care, and the social worker.

After many conversations and phone calls, it was determined the patient was spitting the medication out because she liked it mixed in chocolate pudding. The woman was elderly and suffered from dementia. It was only after speaking with the social worker that we learned of her medication preference. She was not able to communicate with us her wants and needs and this led to hostility.

6. Describe a time you were faced with a patient who chose not to communicate or disclose important information. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

Tell a story about a patient you worked with in a similar situation. What step-by-step actions did you take to obtain the information from the patient? What were the results of your actions?

A parent once didn’t disclose that the father of the child was not her current boyfriend. This was important as the patient was going to need consent forms signed, and legally, this boyfriend was not able to sign the consent forms. Additionally, there was a man calling the unit, claiming to be the father of the child. Social work and the nurse manager were notified.

Through an open conversation, the mother disclosed the correct identity of the father. While I personally did not discover the information, it is essential to know the resources that are available to you and utilize them to the best of your ability.

Interviewing isn’t easy—for anyone! It’s important to be overly prepared to put your best foot forward during every stage of the process. Nurse.org put together this super helpful workbook packed full of exercises, sample questions, and checklists to help you ace your next interview.

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Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Adaptability

The nursing profession is one of constant urgency, crisis, and uncertainty. Tell stories of challenges and follow up with key takeaways and learned lessons.

1. Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it?

Tell a story about a time you were stressed and under pressure to perform. Explain the situation and why you felt pressured. Describe step-by-step the actions you took to make it through the situation. What was the result? What did you learn? What might you do differently now?

I was the most senior nurse in the unit by over a decade. I had to handle my patient assignments and act as a resource to the other newer nurses on the unit. I had to make sure my time management was great, as well as my ability to drop everything and help someone else. I had to stay organized; otherwise, I would not have been able to assist others.

2. Describe a time when your facility was undergoing some change. How did that impact you, and how did you adapt?

Talk about a time your facility changed. Maybe they were acquired by another facility. Perhaps they transitioned to a new computer system. Describe the change and the steps you took to adapt to such change.

One healthcare system I worked for switched from paper charting to electronic medical records and computerized charting. This transition was confusing and often overwhelming. I was able to adapt quickly, but unfortunately, some of my coworkers were not able to.

3. Tell me about a time when you didn’t know the answer to something at work. How did you go about finding the information?

Tell a story about a time when you did not know the answer. Explain step-by-step the action you took to find the information. Talk about the result of your actions.

As nurses, there is no way that we can possibly know everything. Knowing where to go for help is the first step. At the beginning of every shift, I identify a nurse that I can use as a resource, such as the charge nurse, nurse educator, or unit resource nurse. This individual is generally someone who is more senior with an advanced skill set.

If I am unable to get the answer from them or they are busy I look at the healthcare systems policy and procedure manager. If there is a concern regarding a medication dosage or interaction, I look to Lexi-Comp.

4. Give me an example of an awkward situation at work. How did you remove yourself from the situation?

Tell a story about an uncomfortable situation. What was the situation, and why did it feel awkward? Explain the steps you took to leave the situation. What were the results of your actions? What did you learn?

I once had a teenage male patient make very inappropriate sexual comments towards me. At first, I ignored them, thinking it was a one-time thing. The second time, I told him that the comments were inappropriate and I did not want him to say those things to me. The third time, I left the patient’s room and went directly to the charge nurse.

I explained the situation and how uncomfortable I was in caring for the patient. She gathered a team to speak to the patient. My assignment was switched for the remainder of the shift.

5. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with this situation?

Share a story about when you experience failure. Talk about your feelings and why you felt that you failed. Discuss anything positive that came from this failure. What did you learn from failing? What might you do differently now?

Failing is one of the worst feelings in the world, either professionally or personally. Working in the ICU setting, patients die. We fail them when this happens. I fail them when this happens.

After every death, there is a debriefing to discuss what went well and what could have been done differently. I took that time to reflect on my participation in the event and if there was something I could have done differently. Failure doesn’t equal weakness. It simply is something that we must improve upon.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Time Management

Nurses are masters at multitasking - for example, managing multiple patients and administering medication on time while maintaining detailed notes. Tell stories about your punctuality, ability to meet deadlines, and how you remain organized through it all.

1. Talk about a time you worked in a fast-paced setting. How do you prioritize tasks while maintaining excellent patient care?

Give an example of a time you had to prioritize your tasks quickly. Explain your thought process in detail and why you chose to complete the duties in such an order.

Working in an ICU setting is extremely fast-paced, and it is essential to prioritize your tasks for the day. At the beginning of the shift, I make a to-do list with everything that needs to be accomplished. I put the must-do things at the top of the list and the things I would like to do at the bottom.

Administering medications is placed at the top of the list, and washing a patient’s hair is further down. While I would love to accomplish everything, it just isn’t possible.

2. Describe your experience with a very ill patient who required a lot of your time. How did you manage this patient’s care while ensuring your other patients were adequately cared for?

Talk about the patient’s care and why they needed much of your time. What was the illness, trauma or injury? How did you ensure that this patient received quality care? How did you manage your other patients?

Delegation is key here. Knowing when to ask for help is important. Without identifying resources and asking for help, success is impossible.

3. Talk about a time when you felt overwhelmed with your work or patient load. What did you do?

Give a specific example of a time you were overwhelmed. Explain step-by-step the actions you took to overcome this feeling and to focus on the task at hand.

I asked for help during these situations. Without identifying resources and asking for help, success is impossible.

4. Give an example of an important goal you set for yourself. Did you accomplish that goal? How did you ensure that you accomplished it?

Make sure the goal you share is related to your career. Explain the steps you took to accomplish your goal. What challenges did you face? How did you feel once you accomplished your goal?

I set the goal of earning my pediatric certification and made a list of things that I must do to achieve that. I signed up for the exam and paid the fee, so I had to take it. There was no backing out.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Communication Style

It is important to convey your particular communication style and techniques. Tell stories about specific times you either had difficulty communicating or times you communicated well. If you can, walk through your step-by-step thought process and give examples.

1. Give an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade a patient to agree to something. How did you persuade this person?

Tell a story about a specific time when you had a difficult time getting a patient to agree to something at work. What was the situation, and what did they need to agree to? What specific actions did you take to get them to agree? What was the result?

Ideally, we never want to persuade a patient to do something. We would like the patient to agree to it freely. However, I did bargain with a child that if he ate his breakfast, I would play video games with him afterward. Using a bargaining system worked well to ensure the patient was well nourished.

2. Tell me about a time when you had to rely on written communication to explain yourself to your team or to a patient.

Talk about a time when you successfully relied on written (or typed) communication. What were the circumstances? What was being discussed? How did you ensure success?

Most hospitals utilize a text feature to communicate quickly with the medical team. It is important to be concise and provide all of the important information so that the medical team can determine the best course of action.

3. Talk about a time when you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?

No one is perfect; we all have flaws. Discuss a time when you experienced miscommunication at work. What were the circumstances? How did you know you did not communicate well? What did you learn? What were the results?

This often happens when there is a language barrier. I learned that it is always better to ask for an in-person interpreter or utilize computer translation software. This ensures there is no miscommunication of information. Unfortunately, hand gestures and speaking louder don’t always work.

4. Describe a time when you received negative feedback and turned it into something positive.

Discuss a time at work when you received negative feedback. What was the feedback and circumstances surrounding the feedback? Who gave you the negative feedback? How did it make you feel? What did you do as a result of the feedback?

I was once told that I needed to be more social at work and try and bond with my work colleagues. I disagreed with my manager because I felt that we were there to work and take care of our patients, not to make friends. Becoming close friends with coworkers is an added bonus.

While I didn’t become best friends with anyone from the unit, I was able to spend downtime reading and studying to earn additional certifications, which helped me secure better jobs and opportunities in nursing.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Motivation and Core Values

These questions are designed to help interviewers understand your motivation and personal values. When answering such questions, you should share motivational stories from your life that convey your core values.

1. What is one professional accomplishment that you are most proud of and why?

Tell a story about one of your most noteworthy accomplishments at work. What was the accomplishment? What steps did you take to achieve it? Who else was involved in this accomplishment? What happened as a result of the accomplishment?

Earning my advanced pediatric certification is something I worked very hard for, and it validates the years I have spent at the bedside.

2. Have you ever felt dissatisfied with your work as a Nurse? What could have been done to make it better?

Most nurses encounter difficulties while working. Talk about a time when you felt dissatisfied with your work. What were the circumstances, and what happened? What was your role? Why did you feel dissatisfied? What would you do differently now? What did you learn?

I once became extremely dissatisfied because I was consistently being given easier assignments and not being given the ICU level of patients. It became frustrating, and while I understood that others needed to learn and gain experience, it quickly left me annoyed with my position, the unit, and the healthcare system.

I sat down and spoke to my nurse manager about my concerns and inquired why it was happening. The nurse manager was not aware of the situation and it was later determined that a few of the charge nurses were giving the sicker patients to their friends and not spreading them out amongst the nurses.

3. Describe a time when you went over and above your job requirements. What motivated you to put forth the extra effort?

Talk about a specific instance when you went out of your way for your job or for a patient. What were the circumstances? Why did you choose to take the action? What did you do? What were the results?

I personally feel like I give 110% to all of my patients every shift, but there was one that I grew especially close with. For some reason, the patient had been dropped off by a family member, and no one had come to see the child for months. It was obvious the patient was missing key developmental milestones and was becoming increasingly lonely and depressed.

I asked to become the primary nurse for the patient, which meant every time I worked, he would be assigned to me. I worked with him over several months to get him potty trained and to improve his vocabulary. I don’t know exactly why I was extra motivated, but at that time in our lives, the patient and I needed each other.

4. Give an example of a mistake you’ve made. How did you handle it?

It is important to admit that you make mistakes and to own up to them. Talk about the specific mistake and why it happened. What was your role in the mistake? How did you know that you made a mistake? Who was involved? What did you learn? What have you done to improve? What were the results?

Mistakes are part of nursing, whether we like to admit to it or not. It’s important to learn from those mistakes and become a better nurse. One mistake that I will never forget is leaving the gastronomy tube unclamped with medication administration.

Because it was unclamped when I opened the port to give the next medication, the last medication, as well as formula, came out. I was unable to clamp it quickly enough, and the medications I had already given were leaking onto the bed.

I had to speak with the medical team and pharmacy to discuss replacing them. I have never forgotten to clamp the gastronomy tube again.

5. What do you find most difficult about being a Nurse? How do you overcome this difficulty?

Be honest and talk about the most difficult component of nursing. Maybe it’s working with a specific patient population. Or acting in a leadership role. Whatever it is to you, always make sure to talk about the steps and actions you’ve taken to cope with the difficulty.

The most difficult aspect of being a nurse is watching a patient die, especially one that I have cared for when they were healthy. Watching the family lose a loved one is heartbreaking. Sometimes I sit in the bathroom and take a moment for myself to cry, to reflect, and to pause to remember the patient. Death is part of our everyday world, and sometimes that is hard to remember.

Interviewing is a two-way street. Often, nurses are so excited and nervous about answering questions well during their interviews that they forget to ask questions to their potential future employers.

After all, how do you know if the job is an excellent fit unless you ask about the details that are important to you?

Most of the time, when you reach the end of your interview, employers will ask interviewees if they have any questions about the position. This is a great opportunity to show that you have done your research on their facility and expected job duties and demonstrate how excited you are about the position.

Depending on time, you may want to consider limiting your questions to two or three questions. Most nursing administrators set aside an allotted amount of time to interview each potential new hire, and you don’t want to be disrespectful of their time.

Many of these questions may also be great to ask after you have the job and work 1:1 with a preceptor or other helpful nurses. Experienced nurses are great resources for questions once you get the job!

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Onboarding

How long is the training period, and what does it entail?
How will my training success be measured?
Will I have orientation days, and what will they entail?
What advice would you give to a nurse who is just starting on the unit?
How quickly are you looking to hire someone?
Who will I be reporting to?
What shifts are you hiring for: night, day, mid-shift, or alternating?
Will I be required to work on-call shifts?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Mentoring

Will I be assigned a preceptor?
How will my success as a new hire be measured?
What is your training process for new hires?
What advice do you have for a new hire who wants to succeed in this unit?
How frequently do you perform performance reviews?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Culture

Can you explain what the nursing culture is like here?
Does the nursing staff face any ongoing challenges on the unit? What are the most critical challenges?
What is the management style of this unit?
What does an ideal candidate look like for this role?
How does this nursing environment facilitate collaboration and unity?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Professional Development

Are there any professional development opportunities?
How long do nurses work at the bedside before taking on a charge nurse role?
Do you offer tuition reimbursement for nurses advancing their education to take on higher-level nursing roles?
Are nurses encouraged to become certified in their specialties?
Will I be expected to float to other units? How often will that occur?

Sample Questions for New Nursing Graduates

Do you offer a new nursing graduate program, how long is it, and what does it entail?
How are new graduates measured on performance and competency?
Do new graduates have a mentor? How long do they provide supervision and nursing support?
What are the most common challenges new grads experience in this unit?
When will I be eligible to become involved on unit committees?

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For example, if the hiring manager says something like, “I am not sure that you have enough critical care experience to take on this position,” you can respond and assure them that you are perfect for the role.

You may want to say something like, “I have always wanted to work in a high-acuity environment. I am extremely dedicated and eager to learn new skills necessary to succeed in this role. I am like a sponge and ready to learn!”

Remember to close the interview on a high note before walking away.

How to Prepare for Your Nursing Interview

1. dress for success.

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! In fact, many hiring managers say they know if they are interested in hiring someone within the first five minutes.

It is essential to look professional and air on the more conservative side of style versus wearing bright and flashy clothing. Keep jewelry simple and understated. If it is appropriate to wear a suit, stick to neutral colors such as black, navy, or dark brown shades.

Your goal is to look as professional as possible so the person you are speaking with can focus on the essential skills you will bring to their organization.

2. Practice answering as many interview questions as you can out loud

Many interviewees review interview questions by reading them alone. But that may not help prepare you as well as speaking your answers out loud. In fact, you may find that you aren’t as clear on many of your answers as you thought you were.

Consider enlisting a friend or family member to act as the interviewer and ask you sample questions. Practice answering your questions and focus on ways you can communicate more effectively. Be assertive and don’t ramble. You will know if you are ready if you can answer questions clearly and constantly.

3. Research the institution thoroughly

LinkedIn is a great resource for learning about healthcare facilities and the types of employees who work there. Employers usually appreciate it when candidates show they have basic knowledge about an organization's goals.

The last thing you want is to be asked something about the organization and not have an answer for it.

4. Arrive at least 20 minutes or more before your interview starts

Arrive early enough that you can use the restroom if needed, straighten yourself up, and not feel rushed walking into the interview.

5. Bring a great attitude

Make sure you get plenty of shut-eye the night before your interview and eat a good breakfast. Drink coffee if it helps you perform at your best, but avoid it as it can make you jittery.

But most importantly, smile and bring a positive vibe. You are going to do great!

Phone Interviews

Many employers do an initial phone interview before bringing candidates in to meet face-to-face. This often helps recruiters weed out candidates who aren’t serious about a position and offer additional information to candidates to make sure they really want the job.

Bu phone interviews are just as important as in-person or online interviews.

Here are a few tips to remember:

Prepare for a phone interview the same way you would for a face-to-face interview. You have no way of predicting what questions will be asked, and it's better to be overly prepared than under-prepared.
Stand up while you are talking. Standing during a phone interview may help you project your answers more clearly than if you are sitting down.
Keep your resume and cover letter within reach in case you are asked about them.
Don’t eat or drink during the phone interview, even though they can’t see you.
Shower and get ready as if it were a face-to-face interview. You will feel more confident and professional, and it may help you perform better.

Zoom Interview Tips

Ever since the start of the pandemic, Zoom interviews have become exceedingly common. Employers continue to utilize online interviewing because it is often more accessible and convenient for everyone involved.

Preparing for a Zoom interview is similar to preparing for an in-person or phone interview. However, there are several tips you should keep in mind:

1. Dress professionally as if you were going to a face-to-face interview

If you would have worn a suit to an in-person interview, consider wearing it for your Zoom interview. Remember that even though employers usually don’t see your lower half on Zoom, there is a slight chance you may have to stand up or grab something. So no pajama pants!

2. Make sure your background is set up nicely

The interviewer will see your surroundings, so make sure your background is clean and organized. Consider a blank wall so nothing distracts your interviewer from your amazing skills. Also, never have a window behind you because the light can drown you out.

3. Keep it quiet

If you have roommates, let them know you will be on a Zoom interview, and they must stay quiet. If you have pets that have the potential to interrupt your interview, make arrangements for them beforehand. The last thing you want is for your cat to walk right in front of your screen!

4. Set up your Zoom space and practice the day before

If you are new to Zoom, don’t fret! It is a fairly simple platform to use. But it may be a good idea to set yourself up beforehand and practice so there are no surprises.

5. Ensure a good internet connection

No connection, no interview! Ensure that a quality connection is set up early so you don’t have to scramble when you should be starting your interview.

6. Practice with a friend

If you are new to Zoom, you may not be aware of your body language or how you present over video. Consider making a few Zoom calls with friends and family to get comfortable with it and ensure that you have an excellent video presence.

Nursing Behavioral Interview Flash Cards With Answers

Healthcare employers are increasingly asking behavioral questions - this means they want to know exactly how you will perform during different circumstances. They will be asking for you to provide examples of specific scenarios. Sound overwhelming? Don’t fret; Nurse.org has over 50 behavioral interview questions to help you practice. We’ve even included sample answers!

What questions are asked in a nursing interview?

Healthcare hiring managers usually ask behavioral-based interview questions. These questions help provide information about how you may handle specific situations in the workplace and allow you to show your critical thinking skills.

How do I prepare for a nursing interview?

Preparing for your interview starts well in advance of your actual interview date. Here are a few essential tips to prepare for your nursing interview: Practice as many interview questions as you can, dress professionally, research the institution thoroughly, show up early, bring a great attitude, and relax. You will do great!

What are the four skills of a nursing interview?

Listening actively and taking notes when appropriate. Asking important questions. Good non-verbal communication - ways to do this include leaning forward slightly, smiling, making good eye contact, and head nodding when appropriate. Answer behavioral questions with examples from your own work experience.

How do you introduce yourself in a nursing interview?

Start with your name and a brief history of your education and work history. You may want to explain why you chose this career and are so passionate about it. It is also important to talk about why you make a good fit for the position and what your career goals are in the future.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

22 Common Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

By Biron Clark

Published: December 5, 2023

If you’re going on a nursing job interview, there are some frequently asked questions that you need to be ready for. Employers ask these questions often and early, and the wrong answers can cost you the job.

So we’ll go through the most common nursing interview questions you can expect to hear, how to give the best possible answers, and mistakes to avoid if you want to get the job.

Let’s get started…

Frequently Asked Nursing Interview Questions

1. why did you choose a career in nursing.

Employers want to hire someone motivated and passionate to be in Nursing, not someone who is doing it only for the paycheck.

So be prepared to explain why you choose a career in Nursing, why you enjoy it, what motivates you , etc.

They may also ask, “What do you enjoy about this career?”

Try to share specific, tangible reasons when answering why you chose this career or why you enjoy it. It can be a personal reason, like a family member that you cared for at a younger age, and how that experience made you passionate about caregiving.

Or it can something else! That’s just one example answer. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s true. You’ll sound a lot more genuine/convincing if you’re telling true stories in your interview answers , so I do not recommend lying!

2. What interested you in this job?

Next, the interviewer is going to want to know why you want their particular position or why you chose to apply.

Employers want to hire somebody who is targeting specific things in their job search and knows what they want. This makes them less worried that you’ll dislike the job, quit soon after joining, etc.

To prepare for questions like this, make sure you’ve studied the job description. Then, talk about one or two things you saw that excite you. Explain how the work you’ll be doing in this position fits with your goals and interests.

For example, you could say:

“I’ve always enjoyed working in oncology. It’s what I’m most passionate about and most interested in. I saw your job description mentions that this role is focused entirely on oncology. In my past role, I split my time 50/50 between oncology and cardiovascular, and while I enjoy both, I’d be very excited to have that one single focus in this role, and I think it would allow me to continue learning and growing in my career as a Nurse.”

The answer above is detailed and directly answers their question. Better yet – it explains why you’re qualified and why you’ll succeed in this position. Employers ALWAYS want to know that you’re ready to step into their job and succeed. So by mentioning relevant experience, you’re convincing them that you will do well in their role.

Another example answer:

“After five years in Nursing, I’m looking for an opportunity to become a Nursing Supervisor, Manager, or Shift Leader. When I saw your job mentioned the chance to lead a small team in clinical areas that I already have experience with, like oncology, I thought it sounded like a great fit and I knew I should apply.”

3. Tell me about yourself

This isn’t just one of the most common nursing interview questions, it’s one of the most common questions in any interview. And it’s important to have an impressive answer because it’s asked VERY early usually, and sets the tone for the whole interview.

I recommend keeping your answer professional and just walking them through the highlights of your recent career.

For example, when they ask this question, you could say:

“I graduated three years ago with my degree in Nursing , and have been working at XYZ hospital since then. I’ve been promoted once and enjoy my work, but I’m now looking to gain exposure to new clinical areas to broaden my experience. Our hospital doesn’t have any openings outside of my current floor, so I’m beginning to look elsewhere to try to find a career-advancing position that will allow me to continue growing as a Nurse.”

More info and examples of answering “tell me about yourself.”

4. Tell me about your educational background

This is another one of the most common interview questions for nurses. Employers will typically want to know where and when you got your Nursing degree .

So be familiar with this before your job interview, and give a brief, concise answer. There’s no need to talk for long, but tell them your degree, where it’s from, and consider highlighting one or two key projects you completed during your academic work.

Here’s a sample answer:

“I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing two years ago from the University of New Hampshire. I did my clinicals at XYZ hospital and focused mainly on respiratory and cardiovascular care. Is there anything else you wanted to know?”

5. What type of work environment do you prefer?

There are many different types of Nursing jobs, from large hospitals doing surgeries and emergency care to small clinics specializing in skin care, cosmetic procedures, and more.

And in the interview, the employer is going to want to know that you will enjoy their particular environment.

They never want to hire someone who’s going to hate the job or lose motivation and leave soon after joining… because it costs a lot of time/money to hire and train someone.

So that’s why they ask what work environments you prefer.

When answering, try to show them that you’d succeed in an environment like theirs, but be honest, too. It’s okay to say you do well in a variety of workplaces. It’s best to give an example as well.

Keep your answer positive, too. Don’t say, “I hate large, fast-paced environments.”

Instead, say:

“I do well in a range of work environments, but I think the environments I’ve enjoyed most in my career are smaller organizations where I can focus on giving great care to each patient that comes in, without feeling rushed.”

The example answer above would be great for a small, high-end organization like a skin clinic. Their clients are paying a lot and expect great care.

If you’re applying to be an ER nurse in a high-volume trauma center, your answer should focus much more on being able to handle a fast environment, and enjoying being busy and helping many patients.

6. What clinical areas have you worked in?

Next, the hiring manager or interviewer will want to know which clinical areas you’ve worked in, and possibly how much time you’ve spent in each.

While you don’t need to have every piece of experience that their job description mentions, it does help to name the similarities between your background and the work you’d be doing in this next role.

So be confident, and just highlight the most relevant experience that you do have.

They clearly liked your resume and your background if they invited you to the interview, so don’t worry – just give a clear, concise answer explaining the areas you’ve worked previously.

And be clear about whether an area was academic research, patient care, etc.

7. What do you find most rewarding about being a Nurse?

This next nursing interview question isn’t about your technical expertise – it’s all about finding out more about your personality to make sure you’re a good cultural fit for the team.

Prepare an answer to this question ahead of time. Be ready to mention one or two specific things that you find rewarding. Think about what makes you smile at the end of the day, or what gets you excited to tell friends and family about after a shift.

It can be something about your patients. It can be handling tough situations and seeing a great outcome. Or it can be getting through challenges as part of a team. I recommend choosing something that focuses on your interaction with patients, though.

8. Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

This is one of the trickier interviewing questions for nurses because it requires you to know what type of work you’ll be doing in this role.

Most likely, you’ll be working on a team, so it’s important to show you can work well with others.

If you’re unsure what type of work situation this job involves, you can give an answer that shows them you’re versatile.

Example interview answer:

“I enjoy working as part of a team. However, I’m also able to handle things independently. Sometimes you’re the only Nurse available to help a patient in the moment, and you need to deliver great patient care on your own. So I enjoy working as part of a team, but I feel capable of accomplishing tasks on my own, too. I suppose I prefer a mix of both.”

That example answer is a way to “cover your bases” if you’re unsure of their work environment.

Also, you can wrap up your answer by asking them a question. This is a great tactic to turn the interview into a more relaxed, back-and-forth conversation.

For example, at the end of your answer, you could say:

“…How would you describe the work environment here for the typical Nurse? Is it very team-oriented?”

9. How do you deal with stress at work?

Most Nursing jobs involve some stress (okay, a LOT of stress), so employers want to know you’re prepared to handle this type of situation.

Ideally, you want to show them that you’re “battle-tested” and have been through stressful situations and have a method for getting through it.

This can involve reminding yourself why you do this work and why you’re passionate about helping patients. Or it can be more of a tactic, like taking five minutes to do breathing exercises and gather your composure during your break.

Try to share something that’s true/honest in your answer. You’ll sound a lot more convincing this way.

10. What do you feel is the most difficult part of working as a Nurse?

This is one of the trickier nursing interview questions, because you want to share something genuine/true, but without sounding like it’s a major weakness. You don’t want to make it sound like you’ll struggle in their role!

So I recommend naming something that’s challenging about nursing, but then explaining how you’ve learned to handle it.

Example answer:

“When I took my first Nursing job, it was a challenge to learn to communicate with so many different personality types, both on my team, and with the wide range of patients I interacted with each day. However, I quickly learned how to communicate well with all sorts of people, and this has become one of my strengths now. I’ve become a better listener, I’ve become more patient and better at communicating. I enjoy making sure patients feel understood and comfortable. I also enjoy the teamwork aspect of my role with my fellow Nurses.”

Related interview question to be ready for: “What is your greatest weakness?”

11. Why are you looking to leave your current job?

If you’re currently employed, then you should expect an interview question about why you are looking to leave your current job.

Don’t ever badmouth your current employer, though. Instead, talk about what you’re hoping to gain by making a move.

This could be experience in new clinical areas, experience in a different type of work environment (e.g. large hospital vs. small clinic), or something else that your current job cannot offer you.

Or, you can simply say, “I’ve been in my current role for X years, and I’ve learned a lot, but I feel it’s time for a change to keep learning and developing as a Nurse.”

That example answer above is best if you’ve been in your current company for a few years, though. And if you do answer like that, it’s best to also explain what you’re looking for next and why their job caught your interest.

So you could end by saying:

“I was interested in applying for this job because I saw the job posting mentions an opportunity to work with ____.”

Also, if you’re not currently employed, they may ask why you left your most recent job. This article has 20 good reasons for leaving a job.

12. What are your greatest strengths as a Nurse?

When they ask interview questions about your strengths in Nursing, don’t be timid or say, “I’m not sure.”

This is your chance to brag about yourself and be confident/bold. So be ready to name a few things you excel at, and how those would help you succeed in this position.

Think about what sets you apart from other Nursing candidates they’re interviewing. What helps you deliver excellent care to patients? What will you do that will help them grow their business, strengthen their reputation, etc.?

This is a question to think about and practice before your interview, because you do not want to hesitate or say, “I don’t know,” here.

This is also true if they ask, “Why should I hire you?” as well. Be confident and be ready to explain why you deserve the position!

13. Why are you the best person for this position?

This is similar to the question above and involves the same answer strategy.

Try to think of something unique that you bring to the position, or a strength that other candidates might not have. What are you best at? What can you do better than other Nurses who they are interviewing? Now is your chance to brag and show that off!

And always explain how your strengths will help you in this particular job. Don’t just talk about your skills in general – make it about them. How will your skills allow you to be successful in their position?

The more you can show that you’re ready to step into their job and succeed right away, the better. That’s what they’re looking for in the interview.

That’s why it’s so important to study the job description and research the company before your interview , so you can make your answers about their needs.

For more info on this, we have a job interview preparation checklist here.

14. How did you hear about this job?

This is one of the least tricky nursing interview questions you’ll hear, and the worst thing you can do is overthink it! Just give an honest answer about how you first came across their position.

This can be a friend or colleague, an online job posting, their company website, an advertisement you saw, etc.

Then, to cap off your answer, name one thing that caught your interest in the position. Explain why you decided to apply.

This extra step will show them that you’re excited about their position and that you did some research and thinking before you applied. A lot of candidates will apply to many jobs without really looking or thinking much about them, and employers prefer to hire someone who’s being more careful/thoughtful in their job search. So this will impress them!

15. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you handle it?

Nobody’s perfect, and everyone fails. When they ask about a time you failed , talk about a specific situation where you failed to accomplish your goal, and most importantly – how you corrected it, learned from it, and used the experience to make sure it doesn’t happen again!

Never sound like you laid the blame on others or refused to take responsibility. It’s much better to sound humble and show you can admit a mistake.

However, you don’t want to name a catastrophic mistake that led to disaster. Try to name a real mistake, but nothing too critical. If you sound mistake-prone or careless in general, they’re not going to hire you.

16. Tell me about a time you had to communicate with a difficult patient. How did you handle it?

You’re unlikely to get through a nursing interview without hearing a question or two about handling difficult patients.

Every Nurse has dealt with them! And the interviewer wants to make sure you’re able to stay calm and handle the situation appropriately.

So share a story about how you handled a difficult patient by listening, communicating clearly, trying to understand their perspective, and addressing their concerns.

However, don’t be afraid to show that you were firm in explaining your organization’s policies and why they must be followed. Sometimes a patient wants something that’s not possible, and part of a Nurse’s job is to explain this.

A similar question you might hear: “How do you handle conflict?”

17. How would you deal with a patient who is not satisfied with the care they received?

This is another behavioral interview question that you can expect to hear as a Nurse. (Like the question above).

In this case, they’re not asking for a past example, but you can give one if you want.

To answer, start by explaining your overall approach. I recommend talking about how you’d stay calm and quiet.

Discuss how you focus on listening and asking questions to understand their point of view, and then respond.

Also, explain that you do everything possible to make sure the patient feels like they were given excellent care.

If you do want to share an example, you can say, “For example, in my last job, I…” and tell a real story of how you dealt with this situation. That’s a great way to end your response to this question.

18. Do you have ___ certification?

Along with asking about your educational background (mentioned earlier), the interviewer may also ask an interview question about a particular nursing certification.

So review your certifications before the interview, and review the job description to see if any certifications are mentioned there, too.

Be ready to answer clearly and directly when asked. This is NOT one of the interview questions for nurses where they’re looking for a long-winded answer. Try to keep it brief.

19. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers often ask questions about your long-term goals, for a few reasons. First, they want to see if you sound motivated/energetic in general… about your work, your career, and your life.

They’d rather hire someone who sounds positive and enthusiastic about their career.

(Tip: This article explains how to show enthusiasm in an interview ).

The second reason they ask is: They want to make sure their job fits your general goals and career direction. The last thing they want to do is hire and train someone who’s going to quit after six months because the job isn’t satisfying them.

So you need to demonstrate two things:

A) You’ve thought about where you want to be in a few years

B) Their job fits your goals and helps you get where you want to be

If you do that, they’ll be a lot more comfortable offering you the job. For more help and example answers to this question, read this article .

20. Nursing can be stressful. How do you handle stress in your life?

Earlier, we looked at the question, “How do you handle stress at work?” but they may also ask a more general question about how you handle it in your life overall.

Because Nursing exposes you to stressful situations often, it’s a topic that many employers want to talk about in the interview.

Try to show that you stay level-headed and maintain your composure and that you do relaxing, healthy activities outside of work to maintain a balance.

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve been practicing breathing exercises and meditation. Both have been very effective in reducing stress while on the job, and after a shift. I also like to exercise regularly by going to the gym and doing yoga. Finally, I spend time in nature when I’m not working. I’ve found that’s a great stress reducer.”

That’s how to effectively answer interview questions about how you cope with this stressful career, or how you take care of yourself personally.

Another variation of this question that you might hear is: “How do you practice self care?”

These are all frequently-asked nurse interview questions, because it’s a career that often comes with stress.

21. How do you make decisions?

Before offering you a Nursing job, employers want to know they can trust you to make calm, calculated decisions that are best for the patient and the organization.

They don’t want to hire someone who’s going to be reacting in the heat of the moment, making knee-jerk decisions without thinking things through, and committing errors along the way.

So try to show you have a logical, methodical approach and that you stay calm under pressure. Describe how you look at the pros and cons of each choice, the possible risks and likely outcomes, etc. You can also discuss how you speak with a supervisor if you’re unsure how to proceed.

And if they ask for an example, walk them through a recent situation where you had to make a decision under pressure and where you made the right choice and got a great outcome!

For answer examples and more tips on this question, read our full article on explaining how you make decisions.

22. Do you have any questions for me?

After going through the interview questions and answers above, you’ll likely have a chance to ask questions of your own.

You can ask questions throughout your Nursing interview, but if you haven’t, you should ask some at the end. Asking questions shows that you’re interested in their job and that you care about your job search and career.

Employers don’t want to hire a Nurse who will take the first job they can get. They want to hire someone who’s looking for the right fit and targeting certain things. (A type of work environment, an opportunity to learn something specific, etc.)

And you show them this by asking questions!

For ideas of what to ask, here are 26 creative questions to ask employers.

Conclusion (And What To Do Next):

If you study the nursing interview questions above, you’ll be better-prepared and make a better impression.

Make sure to practice your answers before the big moment, too, though.

Reading once through these common nurse interview questions is great, but you’re going to perform even better if you practice giving answers before your interview. You can do this by recording yourself on your phone or doing a mock interview with a friend.

You don’t need to memorize everything word-for-word, but you should know what general ideas you want to talk about for each question and topic! The point of doing a practice session is to make sure you’re able to communicate these ideas clearly.

I like to practice by recording myself talking on my smartphone (every modern phone has a sound recorder app). Then, I play back the recording to make sure I sound natural and am hitting the key points I wanted to mention.

If you prefer to do this with a real person, pull aside a friend or family member and ask them for help.

The more you get familiar with these interview questions for nursing jobs, the better you’ll perform and the more job offers you’ll get!

About the Author

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Very good guide indeed.

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By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/20/2022

Being a nurse takes a special kind of person. Oftentimes, you see people in the middle of what can easily be the worst day of their lives.

You need patience , resilience , a sense of humor , attention to detail , and a thick skin .

But it can also be one of the most rewarding careers, full of excitement and drama and the kind of rush you can only get when you’re helping others.

For many, becoming a nurse is truly a calling. However, landing that dream nursing job can be tricky, even among the truly dedicated. That’s why reviewing the top nursing interview questions is essential.

Types of Interview Questions For Nurses

First off, let’s discuss the different types of interview questions for nurses.

Being a nurse is a unique position, and the questions you’ll be asked in your interview are just as unique. Yes, it’s true; you’re going to inevitably end up being asked some of the same questions you’d come across in any other job interview situation, like “ Tell me about yourself ” and “ What is your greatest strength/weakness ?” but you’re also going to get asked some very specific nursing questions, and knowing how to properly answer those is going to help set you apart.

Let’s start with what makes nursing so unique in the job world.

Unlike most other careers and industries where your interactions with the public would be more along the lines of a “client” or “customer,” your interaction with the public is as a caregiver to a patient. That requires a set of finely honed and carefully crafted interpersonal skills .

As a result, a lot of your interview questions will revolve around patient care and satisfaction and how you meet their unique needs in incredibly varied situations and circumstances. Those questions fall under the category of behavioral questions and are asked so that an interviewer can learn quickly and easily how you’d react to different situations based on your past experiences and behavior.

Be prepared to answer questions about why you chose nursing and what it is about the career that interests you. You’ll also be asked questions about how you work in a team as well as your ability to self-motivate and work alone . It’s also wise to prep for questions about how you handle a crisis or deal with stress.

Feeling a little feverish with all these potential nursing interview questions and answers? Don’t worry! All it takes is a little prep beforehand.

Pro Tips For Answering Nurse Interview Questions

The first thing you need to do when preparing for an interview is to go over the job description with a fine-toothed comb.

Make a list of everything the employer is looking for in their Perfect Candidate.

Now, sit down and look back over all your experiences and see exactly how you’ve met all those requirements before.

It doesn’t matter if the experiences you have aren’t 100% related to the job description you’re applying to. Basically, what you want to do is give your potential future employer tailored examples of how you’ve handled situations in the past so they can extrapolate how you’d most likely react in future situations…and in some cases, examples outside of work show how you’re adept at thinking on your feet and handling yourself beyond just your job. Just make sure that no matter what, you’re answering their questions with personal examples that highlight your skills and abilities.

While you’re doing your prep and looking over the job description, it’s a good idea to also do a little research into where you’re applying. Having specifics on their techniques or their way of doing things and relating that to how you do things will not only show them you’re already in tune with their style, but it will also help to reinforce the idea that you’re the Perfect Candidate!

In most situations, being a nurse means working on a team and as a result, your interview might consist of members of that potential future team. Be prepared to meet with the hiring manager , other nurses , doctors , technicians and members of the hospital administrative staff and try to know a little about each person before you go in (just don’t make it creepy.)

Now that we’ve covered some basic tips, let’s take a look at 20 of the most commonly asked nursing interview questions.

In fact we we wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!

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2. “What do you find rewarding about this job?”

There are lots of rewards that come with a good job; the paycheck, proximity to where you live, the retirement benefits…but remember, when you’re in an interview, it’s not actually about you…it’s about them.

“I truly love helping people, and when those people are children, there’s no better feeling in the world. I remember having one little boy as a patient who had a long-term issue resulting in the loss of one of his legs. During the course of his treatments, we discovered we had a mutual love for robot movies. I stayed with him all through his amputation surgery, and when he was fitted with his prosthetic, I was there to cheer him on. We celebrated his first step with his new leg by throwing a robot movie marathon in the common room. His dad pulled me aside that afternoon and told me how grateful the whole family was for all our help and support. It wasn’t an easy time for that boy or for his family, but knowing that it was a little easier because I was there and had made a genuine personal connection with them all was humbling and inspiring.”

3. How do you deal with someone who isn’t satisfied with your patient care?

Here is a great example of one of the behavioral interview questions for nurses. As we discussed above, give your interviewer an example from your past, so they can get a feel for how you would behave in a similar situation in the future.

“While I constantly strive to do everything I can for a patient, I had a situation once with a patient who complained to my supervisor about me, telling them I was denying them specific care for an issue. The first thing I have to do in that situation is to step back and really assess what’s going on, specifically whether I had acted appropriately. Since I had followed the doctor’s orders, I spoke with my supervisor and the attending physician about the situation. It turns out that the patient had misunderstood something the doctor had told her, leading her to assume I was neglecting a step in her care process. Once the confusion was cleared up, we were able to work with the patient to come up with a satisfactory solution.”

4. “Tell me what you feel your greatest skill as a nurse is.”

This is your opportunity to really showcase what it is that makes you unique from all the other applicants! Really reflect on this ahead of time and come up with solid examples that highlight this skill.

“I’m very proud of my ability to really listen to what a patient is telling me. Nothing frustrates them more than feeling as though they’re not being heard. Having spent the past five years in the medical field working directly with patients has shown me just how far actively listening can go in helping make someone comfortable. During my time working in admissions in my last position, I learned that addressing patient concerns and making sure they felt we were genuinely listened to was just as important as receiving quality care. As a result, I helped to establish a patient advocacy program to help teach other nurses those same listening skills.

5. “How do you handle the stress of the job?”

Let’s be honest; nursing can be incredibly high stress. An employer needs to know how you handle that stress and whether or not you work well under pressure.

“I find the best way to handle the stress of the job is through meticulous organization and attention to detail. By making lists and prioritizing what needs to get done throughout my day, I find that tasks which might seem overwhelming all at once are much more manageable. This also makes it possible for me to stay calm and remain focused on what needs to get done when unexpected situations arise.”

6. “Are you comfortable working with other doctors and nurses?”

Nurses work with a wide variety of individuals in the medical field, including doctors, technicians, other nurses, and the friends and families of your patients, just to name a few. While you’re core answer is likely “yes,” you need to go the extra mile for a quality response.

“I find I work well under a variety of conditions and circumstances, and I take pride in my flexibility. I really enjoy working in a team because I often find that different viewpoints can help me find solutions to a problem I might not think of on my own. I also enjoy self-motivating and am equally comfortable working alone.”

7. “What do you find is the hardest part about being a nurse?”

This is a trick question. No, the hiring manager isn’t actually asking you to tell him how much you hate the early morning shifts because you’re just not a morning person, and you hate getting up before the sun does. Remember, they’re there to find a person to fill a job position.

“I think the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with is feeling helpless. While it’s my job to provide as much care and comfort as medically possible, there are times when you just can’t do more. Seeing someone in pain or feeling miserable and knowing there’s nothing you can do to help is the most difficult thing I deal with. I am a nurse because I genuinely care about people and want to help, and when I can’t, that’s hard.”

8. “Why are you the best nursing candidate for this position?”

This question is actually one of the best nurse interview questions you could hope to be asked. Why? Because this is your opportunity to really sell the hiring manager on why you’re the Perfect Candidate.

“I’ve been working as a Registered Nurse for the past eight years and loved every day of it. This is more than a job, it’s a passion, and I’ve used that passion to drive me forward. I make sure to stay abreast of all the current advancements in my field, am continuing to further my education, and am constantly striving to make sure that I stay on top of emerging trends and technology. I enjoy the challenges that come with this job and take every opportunity to learn and grow.”

9.“Tell me about yourself.”

This is one of those important questions to answer properly, regardless of your field. Remember that they’re not asking you for your life story. Instead, they’re asking you this question to find out from you what you think is important and how well that matches up with what they’re looking for.

“I’m a motivated self-starter who really enjoys the hands-on and human aspect of our industry. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying than helping people out when they need it the most. Having spent the past five years in the medical field working directly with patients has shown me just how far actively listening to a patient can go in helping make someone comfortable. My most recent position included working with patients directly in admissions which meant I was often the first face they’d see when they came in and the last on their way out, as well as everything in-between. During that time, I learned that addressing their concerns and making sure they felt their voices were being heard was just as important to them as receiving quality care. As a result, I helped to establish a patient advocacy program to help teach other nurses those same skills.”

10. “Why are you leaving your current position?”

This question is a potential land-mine. Do NOT use it as an opportunity to badmouth your current or former position. Future employers don’t need to know you hate where you worked or that your old boss was a tyrant. Rather, focus on the positive aspects and how you’re leveraging those in your new job.

“While my last job was an opportunity for me to learn and grow at a comfortable pace in a smaller clinical environment, I’m looking for new challenges and opportunities to continue to expand my knowledge in a larger, hospital-based environment. I am eager to try new things and learn skill-sets that come from working in a faster-paced environment like this one here.”

11. “Why do you want to work here?”

Here, you need to be strategic. Don’t discuss salary opportunities. Instead, talk about your career goals and your vision for your future in your industry and how those directly relate to what you will be doing if hired.

“I’m fascinated by the new and emerging technology involved in ongoing patient care, especially in the field of pediatrics. Your hospital has been ranked in the top five hospitals in the nation for the past seven years running in new innovations, and I’m excited by the possibility of being a part of that and learning from your experts.”

12. “Would you say you’re a team player?”

As a member of the medical field, your first answer had better be yes. Of course, what you say after that is what is going to make or break you in your interview.

13. “Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult patient and how you handled that.”

Tough patients are going to be a regular part of your daily routine, and no employer wants to hire a nurse who is going to be unable to handle these types of characters.

“Working with elderly patients always presents unique challenges as you’re dealing with people who are used to being independent and who are now totally reliant on strangers. I remember one gentleman who had a reputation for being extremely difficult. He was angry and argumentative and would often fight with the other nurses over things as little as the temperature of his room. I admit, I wasn’t excited when I found out I was going to be working with him, so to prepare, I looked over his charts. I discovered that his wife had died a number of years ago and that he had no friends or family in the area and hadn’t had a visitor in ages. Rather than treating him just as a patient, I did my best to connect with him as a human. I would talk to him, not just at him. It took a little, but eventually, he came around and ended up being one of my favorite people to visit with every day.”

14. “Why should we hire you?”

Here’s another question that really gives you a chance to showcase the best of what you’ve got. Take advantage of it1

“For me, nursing it’s just a career; it’s a passion. As a result, I spend time seizing opportunities to learn and grow, prioritize patient care at every step, and embrace advances that can lead to higher quality outcomes. Additionally, I know the value of teamwork and agility and also enjoy the challenges that come with this job. Overall, I can’t imagine doing anything else and will always go the extra mile for both patients and my employers.”

15. If you disagree with a physician’s approach to treating a patient, how do you handle it?

In some cases, nurses and physicians don’t see eye to eye. That’s why hiring managers are going to ask how you handle situations of that nature.

“My typical approach is multifold. First, I consider what about the recommended course doesn’t seem like a fit to me. Second, I determine why I believe another option is a better match. Finally, I reflect on why the physician may have chosen that direction. That allows me to factor in their point of view, as well as present my perspective effectively to the physician. Once I’ve made my recommendation, I listen to the physician’s response and, ultimately, follow the approach they select. The only exception is situations where I believe a prescribed treatment puts the patient in legitimate danger, at which point I follow internal processes regarding who to inform and how to approach the matter.”

16. How do you explain complex medical terms and procedures to patients who don’t have a healthcare background?

Overall, the world of medicine is complicated, particularly for those who haven’t studied or worked in the field. Since ensuring patients understand conditions, test results, treatments, and procedures is essential, hiring managers ask this question to see how you approach the situation.

“Since patients have different levels of understanding regarding medical terminology, I use a combination approach when speaking to them. Usually, I’ll lead off with a formal term and couple it with an informal term or description, depending on the situation. For example, I may tell a patient that a medication is used to treat ‘hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.’ That introduces the phrases physicians may use when speaking with the patient while using terms that feel familiar to ensure understanding.”

17. How do you ensure you remain up to date on advances in nursing?

Advances in the healthcare field are a regular occurrence. While medical facilities often provide training opportunities, they typically favor candidates who go the extra mile on their own time to remain current.

“I use several approaches to remain up to date. Along with continuing education courses, I subscribe to several industry publications to learn more about what’s on the horizon. I also follow thought leaders on social media, giving me additional insights, and converse with my network regularly to find out about their discoveries.”

18. When you don’t have an answer to a patient’s question, what do you do?

Even the most experienced and educated nurses won’t have every answer. The hiring manager wants to know you’ll use an appropriate approach in situations where you aren’t certain about a topic.

“If I don’t know the answer, my first step is to let the patient know I need time to get the information they need. Then, I’ll use a combination approach, conducting research on my own while also conferring with colleagues with expertise in that arena. Along with ensuring I have a thorough understanding of the answer, this allows me to develop a sound way to relay it to the patient, increasing overall accuracy and understanding.”

19. Describe a time when you were in conflict with a fellow nurse. How did you handle the situation?

This is another question that showcases how you navigate the workplace, making it a favorite among hiring managers. Generally, you’ll want to outline a typical strategy, using an example along the way.

“My preferred approach always focuses on communication and empathy. For example, in one of my last positions, a fellow nurse was regularly late for their shift start. This harmed the transition, causing the team to fall behind. Instead of filing complaints or berating them, I took them aside and asked if they were having challenges getting to work on time. It turned out that there was a childcare challenge, one that would be solved with a different shift. I helped them arrange for a schedule change, and the problem was solved, something that wouldn’t have happened without communication and empathy.”

20. “Do you have any questions for us?”

Yes. Yes, you do. Having something to ask makes you seem engaged and passionate about the opportunity, so you need a few questions to toss out there. You could ask about the length of new hire orientation and what you’d be doing exactly if you were hired. You might ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio or how a typical day is structured. We have written a dedicated article on this: Questions To Ask In A Nursing Interview .

Regardless of what you ask, it’s important that you do ask. The point is that by not asking questions, you’ll appear uninterested and unmotivated, and we know that’s not possible!

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve gone over the types of questions you might be asked, given you a few nursing interview tips, brushed up on some practice questions and some sample answers, and gotten you thinking about your own questions, I think it’s safe to say you’ve got the perfect prescription for nailing that interview. (Groan!)

P.S. Now that you’re an expert on the nursing interview questions you are going to be asked, don’t forget that there are hundreds of non-nursing interview questions that you could be asked in your interview! Thankfully we’ve outlined the most common questions AND given you word-for-word answers in our free PDF below:

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Here's what you're getting:

Word-for-word sample answers to the most common interview questions
Tell me about yourself, why should we hire you?, What's your greatest weakness and more!
Free Access to our VIP resources area

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Most Common Nursing Interview Questions, Best Answers, and Tips

Dec 01 2023

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Interview Questions

There are few things more intimidating than preparing for a nursing job interview. No matter how much experience you have or how strong your skills, it’s scary to put yourself out there.

The best way to free yourself of interview anxiety is to walk in feeling confident and well prepared. We can’t help you with your nursing knowledge or years of practice, but we can definitely provide a heads up about the questions you can expect to be asked. Take a look at the 18 nursing interview questions and answers we’ve put together for you below. If you familiarize yourself with each of these, you can walk in to any interview with confidence.

(Looking for interview questions for specific nursing roles? Read here for common ER nursing interview questions to help you ace your next interview.)

In this guide, we’ll cover

Teamwork questions
Patient care questions
Background and personality questions
Adaptability questions
General nurse interview tips

Research the facility where you’re interviewing

Questions to ask the employer

Additional nursing interview questions to expect

How to prepare for a phone interview.

What to wear

What to bring

Introducing Resume Wizard

AI-powered resume builder for nurses.

Common nursing interview questions and answers

The twenty interview questions below are among the most frequently asked by nursing interviewers. Reviewing them, and the sample answers we’ve provided is one of the best ways for you to prepare yourself.

Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle it?
Tell us about a time when you were unexpectedly put into a leadership position. What happened, and were you pleased with how you responded?
Describe a situation where you were especially proud of your healthcare team. What role did you play in your team’s success?
How do you like working with a team?
Describe a time there was a miscommunication between you and a teammate. How did you handle it?
Describe a problematic patient you had in the past. How did you handle that situation?
How do you manage questions from a patient’s family and friends?
Can you explain situations without using a lot of medical jargon? Give an example.
What is your idea of effective patient and family education?
Have you ever had a family member or patient who was unhappy with your care? How did you handle it?
Tell me about yourself.
Why did you decide to be a nurse?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work here (at this hospital/health system)? What interests you the most?
How do you deal with cultural differences?
What are your professional goals?
Describe a situation where you were under a lot of pressure. How did you deal with it? What methods worked well for you?
What do you do when you don’t know the answer to something at work—whether it’s how to address a situation or the answer to a patient question?

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on teamwork

Working collaboratively and being a team player is critical to high-level patient care, whether you’re working in a hospital or any other type of health facility. Employers want to know that you’re a team player who works well with others, especially in stressful situations.

1. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle it?

The key to answering this nursing interview question is to talk about the solution you provided rather than badmouthing a colleague. Demonstrate understanding, empathy, and a positive approach. You’ll get extra points for mentioning what you learned from the situation.

Sample answer:

“I worked the night shift with a nurse who consistently showed up late for their shift. This would impact the whole team and put us behind. I took the nurse aside to speak with her, and asked if switching shifts would help her get to work on time. My co-worker expressed tremendous relief, and said it would definitely help: she explained why her assigned hours were a problem. With that information, we switched her to a different shift and the problem was solved. That experience showed me the benefits of taking initiative, as well as being open to making a change for the good of the team.”

Great answer! This shows empathy, a high level of communication, and problem-solving skills. Hiring managers want to hire nurses who can overcome a challenge and find a resolution.

2. Tell us about a time when you were unexpectedly put into a leadership position. What happened, and were you pleased with how you responded?

Hiring managers want nurses who they can rely upon, and promote. They want to find someone who not only has experience as a leader, but who takes pride in their accomplishments. Even if you’re a recent graduate, you can point to leadership experience you had while volunteering or working with your cohort on an academic project.

“Ever since I became a licensed RN, I’ve gravitated toward situations that required leadership and responsibility. I was once asked to lead a group of LVN’s. In working with the team, I emphasized patient-centered care and efficiency. We made a point of engaging with patient families, educating them on the care required for each individual patient’s needs. Each team member really became dedicated to high quality care, and one of my proudest moments was seeing one of them go on to earn their RN certification. I really felt that I had made a difference, and it inspired me to go on to mentor other nurses.”

Solid. You gave a great example of how you managed your leadership role, included care standards in your answer, and spoke to your desire to take on more responsibility in the future.

3. Describe a situation where you were especially proud of your healthcare team. What role did you play in your team’s success?

Every nursing unit experiences success in one way or another. It may be around a particular patient’s care or a challenging situation within the larger organization. Being able to describe the situation and how you and your colleagues handled it will be very helpful to the recruiting manager. Make sure you’re as detailed as possible and explain the particular role you played in the successful outcome .

“Working on a med-surg nursing team , we often see a lot of successes, but one time, one of our patients started to fail. We worked together and realized that he had infected feeding tubes. We were able to work together quickly to thoroughly clean the tubes, helping prevent further injury to the patient.”

4. How do you like working with a team?

Teamwork is essential to nursing care, and cooperation and flexibility are important. You want to make sure that the interviewer knows that you enjoy being part of a team, and work to improve collaboration and collegiality.

“I thrive while working as a part of a team. I have a strong ability to adapt and am guided by knowing that a healthy and cooperative team provides the best outcomes for patients . Everyone has a different way of looking at a problem, and I believe that we should be open to multiple perspectives . One of my favorite parts about being on a team is celebrating our successes , whether individual or together. Though I feel confident in my abilities to work alone, working with a team always teaches me something new.”

Great! You explained how comfortable you are while working on a team, and also made sure that the interviewer knows you can work alone. You killed two birds with one stone. Excellent.

5. Describe a time there was a miscommunication between you and a teammate. How did you handle it?

Miscommunications are not a problem in and of themselves, but failure to work through them can be. You want the interviewer to know that you are able to work through conflict . Again, focus on your solution and the leadership you showed in finding it rather than on describing a colleague’s bad behavior. You want your answers to be positive.

“One of my co-workers struggled to communicate during the hand-off period to begin her shift. The partial, incomplete information she provided about our patient’s status led to confusion and ran the risk of sub-quality care. After repeated issues, I approached her politely and told her that I needed proper information at the shift change. I did it directly and without criticizing her, and she immediately apologized and corrected her ways. She even began jotting down some notes for the hand-off. I learned the importance of speaking up and being direct without being confrontational or critical.”

Perfect. You took initiative by speaking up, both for yourself and for your patient. You also demonstrated your ability to provide honest, considerate feedback without putting your colleague down.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on patient care

Patient care is a central focal point for nurse candidates. Interviewers (and your future supervisors and teammates) want to know that you’re dedicated to having a good relationship with every patient, regardless of challenging circumstances.

6. Describe a problematic patient you had in the past. How did you handle that situation?

Difficult patients are a reality of nursing practice. Your answer should acknowledge this and demonstrate that you know how to respond in a way that is constructive and doesn’t interfere with care.

“As a pediatric nurse, getting children to take their meds can be challenging. I had one child who cried and became nearly hysterical every time we needed to give him medication. One day I asked him a simple question: “What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?” When he said chocolate, I grabbed some chocolate pudding and offered it for him to take with his medication. It sounds simple, but it did the trick. He stopped screaming and crying at medication time, and I had made a friend.”

Wow. Great answer. You described being creative in the face of a challenge, as well as your willingness to go above and beyond. This response may seem simple, but it sets you up as a problem-solver who is able to adjust on the fly.

7. How do you manage questions from a patient’s family and friends?

Patients’ family and friends are typically concerned, and that leads to them asking a lot of questions that you may not be able to answer quickly. Being able to balance their questions with taking care of the patient is crucial.

“I always remember to be empathetic: I know that if it was my loved one, I’d have questions too! I try to make sure I’m answering them kindly and with patience . I know I can’t answer all of their questions, so I try to make that clear within my answer. That way I’ve set boundaries .”

Perfection. You displayed an earnest attempt to meet the patient where they are. You also talked about setting boundaries, which is key.

8. Can you explain situations without using a lot of medical jargon? Give an example.

Medical information can feel like a foreign language to patients. Nurses have to be able to effectively translate what the doctor says to a patient. When answering this nursing interview question, emphasize what you do to make sure that the patient understands .

“Patients come from different educational backgrounds. They’re different ages and have different levels of familiarity with medical terminology, so I always work to break medical jargon down into language that is understandable . For example, if a doctor says he is ordering diagnostic imaging, I make sure that to explain that this means the patient is getting an X-ray. I also ask the patient to repeat what they think they heard so I’m sure that they’re working with the right information.”

You explained the effort you put into describing medical jargon, and even mentioned having the patient repeat back what they heard. Great job!

9. What is your idea of effective patient and family education?

Every patient has their own learning style . Emphasizing that you can work with a variety of patients to provide quality patient and family education is important.

“Patient education is most effective when it is centered around the patient and family’s needs. I work hard to understand each group’s learning style and adapt accordingly. I know some patients prefer reading medical instructions and others do better if they can watch a video. Some want detailed information and others just want the basics. Including the family in the treatment process is so important: They often end up serving as primary caretakers for the patient. When you emphasize how important they are to the process, it elevates their interest and participation. “

Excellent. You demonstrated your flexibility, your attention to cues from your patients and their family, and your understanding of expressing the importance of family involvement in patient’s needs.

10. Have you ever had a family member or patient who was unhappy with your care? How did you handle it?

Unfortunately, not everybody will be satisfied with your care. Your answer should demonstrate that you worked to find a solution rather than that you took it personally.

“I work to provide high-quality care to every patient, but the reality is that some patients or their families won’t agree with my methods. I once had a patient who complained about how I administered his insulin. He told my administrator that I stuck the needle in too quickly and hadn’t been gentle enough. I decided to go especially slowly with that patient to accommodate their needs and provide patient-centered care .”

This is a great example of adjusting to a patient’s needs rather than focusing on having been the subject of a complaint. Rather than suggesting that the patient was wrong, you demonstrated that you can respond positively to criticism.

If you’re just beginning your nursing career , you may be concerned about how to answer these questions in light of your lack of patient experience. Address this by answering in hypotheticals, or give an example of a time when you had to work with difficult individuals in another part of your life.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on background and personality

Your personality plays a huge role in how you fit into a healthcare environment. The interview is an opportunity to demonstrate how you will fit into an existing team. Questions about you, your personality, and your career path are fairly common.

11. Tell me about yourself.

This may feel like a very open-ended question, but it gives you the opportunity to share. As tempting as it is to answer this nursing interview question with your life story, instead work to demonstrate that you will fit in their team. Talking about your job qualifications and your ability to work as part of a team and you’re golden.

“I’m a dedicated nurse. I enjoy providing patient-centered care , and have spent eight years working as a pediatrics nurse. Helping my patients recover and regain health motivates me every day. One of the most important things I’ve learned, that’s become my mantra, is that quality care involves empathy first, and helps you determine treatment. Every patient is different and deserves personalized attention. Of all the things that I’ve learned over my nursing career, I’m most proud of my ability to juggle different patient loads . Your company’s mission of ensuring patient-centered, quality care fits my skill set and goals as a nurse.”

Great job! You provided a great synopsis of your skills and passion and demonstrated that you’ve done your homework about them too.

12. Why did you decide to be a nurse?

This may sound like they want to know more about you and your background, but what the employer wants out of this nursing interview question is to know that your ambitions match their facility’s principles.

“My family has always been involved in medicine. My grandfather and uncle were both doctors, and many of my aunts and cousins are nurses, so it seemed like a natural fit. Helping people in practical yet compassionate ways comes naturally to me.”

You’ve provided information on something essential about your character: care and compassion . Having an urge to care for others rooted in your family’s values expresses a lot about your drive to be a nurse.

13. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Honesty is important when answering this question. Every nurse has unique strengths and weaknesses, but you also want to be careful that when you’re describing a weakness, you don’t do so in a way that makes you seem incompetent.

“My greatest strength is communication. I have a strong ability to educate and empathize with patients , speaking in their terms and helping them understand what’s going on. I guess empathy is a strength too, because I strive to walk a mile in their shoes and treat them as people first. I once worked with an older patient who dearly missed her garden. I brought her a small potted garden. She loved it, and it seemed to make her more accepting of the treatments she had to endure. My greatest weakness is over-committing. I love my job and I try and do too much at times. I need to slow down and trust my team .”

Wow! Touching. You showed how much your patients mean to you and confessed your weakness by showing your passion, without painting yourself in a negative light.

14. Why do you want to work here (at this hospital/health system)? What interests you the most?

This is not an invitation to say you want to make more money or that they have great benefits. Instead, describe the features of the facility and what you feel drawn toward. Prepare for this question by studying their website to see what they promote about themselves.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a facility that makes a point of championing patient-centered care. Your facility has received countless awards for its care, including the Vizient 2019 Bernard A. Birnbaum, M.D., Quality Leadership Award for high-quality patient care. I’m excited to work for this type of institution. I also saw that U.S. News & World Reports ranked you as one of the top hospitals. I’d feel tremendous pride working at such a well-regarded hospital. “

Well done. You did your research about the facility. And your goals align with the aims of the company.

15. How do you deal with cultural differences?

Nurses are trained to handle cultural differences, but doing so well often requires both experience and respect for others. Specific stories and methods are especially helpful when answering this question. Give an example of a time when you were faced with this, and talk about what you learned.

16. What are your professional goals?

Hiring managers want to hire nurses who are ambitious and have a clear sense of their professional goals . Be ready for this question: Have a detailed and attainable list of things you want to accomplish immediately, as well as five and ten years into the future. While ambition is good, you also need to give a realistic answer. It’s probably unwise to tell a hiring manager that you’re planning on becoming the hospital president when you’re applying for a role as a first-year registered nurse.

“My professional goals are to earn my MSN, join the Emergency Nurses Association, and become an emergency room nurse practitioner. I hope to mentor nurses and share what I’ve learned. I’m excited about this opportunity, as I think it will help me to fulfill my long-term goals. Eventually, I hope to advance into a management role where I can oversee and train nurses. I feel drawn toward helping others grow and learn.”

Having well-thought-out responses to these questions show that you’ve put thought into your self-development and your career, which is very appealing for any employer.

Always be prepared to be questioned on anything on your cover letter , resume , and reference letters.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on adaptability and flexibility

Life as a nurse is often about adjusting quickly to changing environments. Demonstrating that you can be agile when necessary is a great way to get your foot in the door.

17. Describe a situation where you were under a lot of pressure. How did you deal with it? What methods worked well for you?

Nursing is a stressful position . Sometimes nurses burn out . Hiring managers want to know that you can handle stress in a healthy and practical way.

“I experience pressure every day as an ICU nurse. On one occasion, I had to cover more patients than usual because a co-worker called out sick. I managed the situation by creating a patient and task list and prioritizing care . By triaging in this way, I was able to manage my increased workload successfully, caring for patients and giving myself a sense of control despite the challenges. More generally speaking, I often practice yoga after work so I don’t carry stress into my outside-the-hospital life. “

Bravo. You showed an ability to prioritize and you also made clear that you’re proactive about taking care of yourself.

18. What do you do when you don’t know the answer to something at work—whether it’s how to address a situation or the answer to a patient question?

The hiring manager wants to hear that you’re confident in knowing how to resolve this common issue.

“When I don’t understand something at work or have the answer to a question, I look for help . I don’t let my pride get in the way of quality patient care. I’m honest in saying that I don’t know the answer but I will get it, then quickly ask someone who has more experience or knowledge .”

Superb. You showed humility, honesty, and a need to help the patient first.

Keeping these answers focused on how well you responded to point out your willingness to adapt to get things done can be very helpful in an interview.

When in doubt, remember the “STAR” method for your answers: A S ituation or T ask similar to what they’re asking about, A ctions you took, and R esults you achieved.

Going into your interview, you should have a clear sense of its characteristics, including the demographic it serves, its statistics and awards, goals and mission, history, and the programs that it provides.

Magnet status refers to an award presented by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to hospitals that meet a benchmark that measures the quality of their nursing.
Where do they rank in the U.S. News & World Reports for hospitals ? (This ranks the best hospitals by specialty)

Goals and Mission

What are some of the goals or missions of the hospital? You can find these on their website.
Does the hospital have a religious undercurrent?
What is the mission and how does the hospital want to serve its population?

Demographics

Does the hospital cater to a specific population type? For example, does the facility serve an older demographic of people?
What about the general socioeconomic status of the patients?
When did the facility open?
What major things have happened since it’s been opened?
Has it recently undergone a renovation?
What kind of programs does the facility have? For example, does it have a renowned cancer unit or a great pediatric program?
What’s the patient-to-staff ratio?

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Questions to ask the potential employer

Now that we’ve provided examples of common nursing interview questions and answers, it’s time to go over the questions you can ask your interviewer . Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the position and the facility, and helps you gain a greater sense of what the job will be like.

What is your company’s culture?

This question is important for any position. A company’s culture impacts every decision that is made , so you want to make sure that your values and the company’s values align. Some companies may over-emphasize efficiency and lose sight of developing healthy interactions between nurses on and off the job.

What type of orientation or training do you provide?

This is a great question: The answer will help you understand the level of support you’ll receive upon starting the job, and is also an indication of the facility’s overall attitude towards its staff. Knowing that there will be a detailed and thorough training process might ease your mind about taking the job.

How would you describe your management style?

Knowing what to expect from your future boss is a huge help, and can even inform you as to whether you should accept the job if it is offered to you. Every boss has their own managing style. Some bosses prefer a more hands-on approach while others allow their employees more freedom .

What policies or practices do you have for self-care?

The answer to this question will tell you a lot about the facility’s culture. Nurse burnout is real, and being in an environment that doesn’t allow for self-care can be toxic.

Be prepared to answer more personal questions as the interviewer goes through your resume and asks about your experience!

How to prepare for your nursing interview

Here are some key steps for making a great impression during your job interviews:

Prepare in advance for questions your prospective employer may ask, especially those that test your critical thinking, prioritization, and skills.
Practice your answers out loud. It may feel silly, but it’s the easiest way to know if an answer feels right or not. You can even record yourself speaking and listen to your responses.
For phone interviews, select a quiet place where you won’t be distracted during the call.
Keep some water handy to combat dry mouth
Smile as you speak , even over the phone, so they can hear your positivity on the other end of the line.
For in-person interviews, make sure you dress with polish — no jeans or scrubs — and avoid overpowering scents/perfume.
Bring a notebook and pen along with a clean folder and copies of your resume, as well as documentation of any certifications you have (ACLS, NCLEX, etc.)
Make sure you read the job description carefully! The key qualifications and traits employers are looking for will be included, and you should use the same words in describing yourself.
Prepare your own questions for the employer – Don’t just leap into asking about salary. Ask about a typical day in the position, patient and staff numbers, and how the organization gathers patient input/feedback
Write and send a thank you note to the interviewer . Thank them for the time they spent with you and reiterate your interest in working for their organization. Be specific about why. An authentic thank you note makes a difference, especially if they’re considering other nurses for the role.
Stay positive!
Be ready 10 minutes early so you don’t sound rushed.
Eliminate background noise and distractions from children, pets, and others.
Make sure your phone or laptop is fully charged, and use headphones/earphones for optimal sound.
If you’ll be using your landline, turn your mobile phone off.
Have some water handy. If your mouth is dry, you’ll sound nervous.
Use paper and pen for note-taking to avoid the noisy clicking of computer keys.
Do some voice exercises before the call, especially if you haven’t spoken in several hours.
Posture has an impact on your voice, so stand or make sure you sit up very straight during the call.
Smile as you speak — it really makes a difference! A good time to smile is when you talk about the work you’ve done, ask questions, or express your enthusiasm about the company.

How to prepare for an in-person nurse interview

Looking professional is important. Your interviewer will be looking at how you dress, how you present yourself, eye contact , positive attitude, and a firm handshake . Remember, psychologists say you only have seven seconds to make a first impression !

Can you wear scrubs to a nursing interview? Despite the saying, “dress for the job you want,” the simple answer is: no. Your image is your first impression , even before you shake the interviewer’s hand. Dress professionally – this means a suit or business separates – no scrubs or denim.

4 tips for what to wear

Don’t wear jeans, denim, or scrubs.
Wear a suit or business separates that fit well. You should feel like the superhero you are! Avoid clothes that are either too tight or oversized.
Avoid strong scents, which may include perfume, cologne, aftershave, lotions, and hair products.
If possible, wear a watch to show that you understand the importance of timing and detail.
A pen or pencil
Small notepad or notebook in good shape
Several copies of your resume
Any letters of reference you might have
Nursing License/proof you have passed NCLEX (mainly for new nursing graduates)
Pertinent certifications

Preparation is key for any interview

Adequate prep time will help you feel confident and comfortable heading into the interview room. Make sure to review all the tips above before your interview, practice your answers to common questions, and put your best foot forward. Good luck!

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Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

Sitting for a nursing job interview can be a nerve-racking experience. Not only will you have to face a barrage of uncomfortable questions, but you will also have to deal with the anxiety of knowing that your response to those questions could make or break your chances of getting the job.

Common Nursing Job Interview Questions (with answers)

While nursing interview questions can vary depending on the employer or manager’s needs, the questions below are common, and you stand a good chance of being asked some of them during the interview.

What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make recently (in nursing school or on the job)?

When employers ask this question, they are trying to see how you will react when put on the spot. They are also trying to gauge what you perceive to be a difficult situation.

Therefore, try to think of a situation from a previous job that you found difficult, but then talk about how your decision was right. If you have never worked at a job before, think back to a time in clinicals when you and/or a preceptor faced a difficult decision.

For example, perhaps there was a time when a patient wasn’t doing well, and your nursing intuition told you that something wasn’t right. You had mixed feelings about calling the doctor to report it, but you went with your gut, and it turned out you were right.

What are your future career goals, and how will this position allow you to achieve them?

If you haven’t noticed, nursing is a very goal-driven profession. When we create care plans, we’re thinking about patient goals. We have goals for our units, too. Therefore, it’s only natural that some employers are going to ask you about your career goals.

Here’s the big thing: Avoid acting like the job for which you are applying is just a temporary thing and that you hope to move on to something bigger and better soon. It costs a lot of time and money for a company to hire and train a new nurse, so they don’t want to hear that you’re not going to be committed to the job.

Instead, focus on the career goals that will align with that particular organization. For example, say that you’d like to obtain additional certification in that specific area of nursing and possibly advance to a leadership position within that organization in the future.

Nursing Resume Templates and Job Guide

Check out our job guide called “ Nursing Resume Templates and Job Guide by Nurse Sarah “. Nurse Sarah’s updated eBook guide & template bundle will walk you step-by-step through the entire job process. You’ll learn how to….

Create a stunning resume and matching cover letter (16 professionally designed templates included with download)
Ace your nursing job interview with the most common job interview questions (includes sample answers)
Getting letters of recommendation & putting together your nurse portfolio
Tips for finding your first nursing job and getting hired fast
Tips to transition from nursing student to new nurse (talking to doctors, common struggles, etc.)
Advancing in your career
And more (see table of contents below)

table of contents for nursing resume templates and job guide by nurse sarah

Resume Templates and Matching Cover Letters Included

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You can get an eBook version here or physical copy ( affiliate ad ) here.

How do you define great patient care?

It’s important for you to know that great patient care is major focus for most healthcare organizations, especially since The Affordable Care Act instituted a system that financially rewards hospitals based on patient satisfaction surveys. Therefore, it’s important to emphasize that as a nurse, you’re going to be ALL ABOUT THE PATIENT !

You might want to say, “I believe great patient care means that you are patient-centered, which means that you address their concerns and respond as quickly as you can to their needs. It means that you take time to educate them so that when they leave, they felt as if you took good care of them and would recommend your facility to others.”

You might want to add personal anecdotes of how you’ve gone above and beyond for a patient in the past.

Describe a mistake you made on the job (or in clinicals), and how you handled it.

No one likes to re-live his or her nursing mistakes , but you really need to go into the interview with an example of an honest mistake that you’ve made in the past. However, avoid mistakes that make you look incompetent or that would cause potential legal issues.

For example, mention a time you made a simple charting error that you were able to correct. Alternatively, perhaps there was a time when you collected a lab specimen, and the specimen became contaminated.

Be sure to include the details of the steps you had to take to correct the mistake, and how you learned how to avoid it in the future.

Describe a time when a coworker or manager made you upset.

If you are asked a question like this, keep two things in mind:

You don’t want to come across as a petty drama queen (or king), a gossip, or a troublemaker.
Don’t talk trash about your former coworkers or boss.

Instead, try to keep it as professional as possible, and think of something that affected patient care or the nursing team, such as a time when a coworker obstructed workflow for the team, or arrived late, or didn’t give proper report.

Be ready to address how you handled the situation, too.

Describe the most valuable constructive criticism a former manager or charge nurse has given you.

This question might be phrased like this, “What’s your biggest fault as a nurse?”

Think of something that you can improve on, but again, avoid saying something that makes you appear incompetent.

Try to include a personal anecdote or story, but stick with a theme that…

You’re a perfectionist
You push yourself too hard
You sometimes get emotional when a patient suffers

Finish your answer by saying that it is something that you have been improving as a nurse.

What attracted you to our organization?

If you are asked why you want to work for that particular organization, you’ll want to give a good, researched answer. So make sure that you do your homework and research the organization a bit.

Each organization will have its own focus or motto. Look into the company’s history, and incorporate that into your answer.

For example, if a company really advertises patient care, you could say something like this: “One thing I love about this organization is that you are really focused on patient care, and I love that; it’s one of my strengths.”

Here are some other things you can mention, if relevant:

The company has a great reputation in the community, and you’ve heard great things from both patients and other nurses
Perhaps the company has won any recent awards or received positive publicity
Perhaps the facility has Magnet status
Perhaps the facility has a great training/teaching system in place
Perhaps the company has many opportunities for advancement

What’s the most important quality a nurse can have?

When asked this question, think about what it is that really drives you as a nurse, whether it’s a hard work ethic, attention to detail, a love for helping people, etc. You might even want to think back to your grueling semesters in nursing school, and try to think about what it was that motivated you to get through so that you could work as a nurse.

For me, it’s helping people. So, I would probably answer this question by saying that, of course I think it is important to have competence in your nursing clinical skills, but the most important skill that a nurse can have is to genuinely want to help people, to want to see patients get well.

How would you handle a rude physician or supervisor?

Here’s how I would answer this question: “I would try to remember that you never know what is going on in a person’s life that could be causing them to be rude. They could be going through a personal issue or having a bad day.

So, I’d try to maintain a professional attitude and overlook it. As the Bible says, “A soft word turneth away wrath.” However, if someone has a consistent problem with being rude, then I’d confront them in a professional way, and if that didn’t work, I’d talk to a supervisor or manager.”

Why are you a good candidate for this job?

This is always a tough question, and you’ll want to speak from the heart, but here are some things you might to incorporate into your answer:

Your credentials if you have any
Your passion or interest in that specific specialty or industry of nursing
Your love for people
Team player
Strive for hard work and professional attitude
Love learning new things and growing
Experience and knowledge
It can help me grow

In addition, a good tip is to study up on the relevant information for the specialty for which you’re applying, just in case you are asked a question about it. This includes information such as:

Proper skills procedures
Relevant lab values
Nursing interventions

Final Tips on Nursing Job Interviews

Nursing interview questions can be nerve-racking, but you can shine during the interview by going into it with a prepared mindset. I highly recommend doing a mock interview with someone to practice common interview questions.

Allow the person to throw you off by asking some random questions and follow-up questions, too. This will help ease your anxiety and condition your mind so that you can respond in a confident, professional manner.

Also, it’s good to have a nursing resume prepared to hand the manager as you begin the interview, and learn some other nursing job tips .

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25 Most Common New Grad Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

Are you a new nurse or preparing to graduate from nursing school? Does the idea of scheduling your first nursing interview sound exciting? Maybe you are ready for that next step, but don’t know what to expect in a new nurse interview. Perhaps you have asked yourself, “What are the most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers?” If that sounds like you, this article is for you. As you continue reading, you will find information about what prospective employers are looking for in new nurses, how to prepare for an interview, and what questions you should ask before the interview ends. Additionally, I will share 25 most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers that you can use to prepare for and ace your interview.

Why is it Important to Ace Your New Grad Nurse Interview?

What are the top 5 things employers look for when interviewing new grad nurses, 1. good communication skills:, 2. compassionate personality:, 3. someone who is willing to be a team player:, 4. a willingness to learn:, 5. computer skills:, what are the most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers, 1. interview question: what made you want to become a nurse, what the interviewer really wants to know:, sample answer:, 2. interview question: do you have a preferred shift you would like to work, 3. interview question: what are some of your best qualities, 4. interview question: how do you keep personal problems from interfering with work, 5. interview question: do you have a preference of nursing specialties, 6. interview question: do you have children.

• In this example, the candidate addresses the fact that she needs a babysitter to accommodate work and makes it clear she has already made arrangements. This lets the interviewer know the candidate understands the importance of being reliable at work, as demonstrated by taking the initiative to establish caregivers for children, as needed.

7. Interview Question: If Hired, Will This Be Your Only Job?

Sample answer option #1:, sample answer option #2:, 8. interview question: do you have experience working in the healthcare field before becoming a nurse, 9. interview question: what are some things you would like to improve about yourself, 10. interview question: tell me about yourself., 11. interview question: how did you hear about this job, 12. interview question: what interests you about our company/facility, 13. interview question: where do you see yourself in five years, 14. interview question: can you tell me about a time you demonstrated teamwork on the job, 15. interview question: what do you do if you do not know how to answer a patient's question, 16. interview question: how well do you handle changes to your schedule, assignments, or work environment, 17. interview question: what do you do to regroup when under pressure and overwhelmed, 18. interview question: what do you think will be the most challenging thing about being a nurse, 19. interview question: what do you like to do in your free time, 20. interview question: tell me something others find interesting about you., additional sample answer:, 21. interview question: why do you feel you are the best person for this job, 22. interview question: what would you do if your replacement did not show up for work, 23. interview question: how would you handle a situation when a patient needs to be persuaded to comply with a treatment, 24. interview question: are you willing to work nights and weekends, 25. interview question: what is the most rewarding thing about being a nurse, 10 tips to prepare for a new grad nurse interview, 1. find your way around the facility before your new grad nurse interview., 2. update your resume with all your work and education experiences., 3. get professional letters of recommendation., 4. pick out a nice outfit and iron it the night before your interview., 5. be sure to eat breakfast., 6. read the job description and familiarize yourself with it., 7. be prepared to take notes during the interview., 8. make copies of any certifications such as iv certification, cpr certification, etc., 9. create a list of possible questions you want to ask the interviewer., 10. rehearse interview questions and answers., 5 good questions to ask at the end of your new grad nursing interview, 1. what do other nurses like about working here, 2. which emr system does your facility use, 3. what is your nurse-to-patient staffing ratio, 4. do you offer a retirement plan, 5. what qualities are you looking for in a nurse, bonus 6 things you should never do in a new grad nurse interview, 1. never answer your phone., 2. do not talk badly about your previous employer or coworkers., 3. wearing inappropriate attire:, 4. do not show up late., 5. not bringing necessary documents, resume, etc., 6. demonstrating poor body language:, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what are some of the most difficult interview questions asked to new grad nurses, 2. how do i deal with a difficult question in a new grad nurse interview, 3. how do i handle the stress before a new grad nurse interview, 4. what to bring to a new grad nurse interview, 5. how long do new grad nurse interviews last, 6. how to answer new grad nurse interview questions online, 7. how to prepare for a new grad nurse phone interview.

30 Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

Common Nursing interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

The nursing profession is one of the most rewarding and challenging careers out there. As a nurse, you’ll be tasked with providing compassionate care to patients in various settings while juggling numerous responsibilities. With an ever-growing demand for skilled nurses, it’s no wonder that you’re ready to take on this noble calling.

But before you don your scrubs and start saving lives, you must first ace that all-important nursing interview. To help you stand out from the competition and showcase your passion for patient care, we’ve compiled a list of common nursing interview questions along with expert advice on how to answer them effectively.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

Your motivation for choosing nursing as a career is important because it demonstrates your passion and commitment to the profession. Interviewers want to see that you truly care about making a difference in the lives of patients and that you have a genuine interest in the field. This passion will help you excel in your role and contribute positively to the team and the overall healthcare environment.

Example: “My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing came from witnessing the compassionate care my grandmother received during her battle with cancer. The nurses who attended to her not only provided exceptional medical care, but also offered emotional support and comfort to our family during a difficult time. Their dedication and empathy left a lasting impression on me.

This experience made me realize that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives by providing holistic care and being there for patients and their families during challenging moments. Nursing offers the perfect blend of science and human connection, allowing me to utilize my skills and passion for helping others while continually learning and growing professionally.”

2. Can you discuss your experience with patient assessments and care planning?

Patient assessments and care planning are essential components of a nurse’s role in the healthcare setting. As a nursing candidate, it’s important to show that you possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to assess patients’ needs, develop individualized care plans, and provide high-quality care. Interviewers want to know that you are capable of making informed decisions and can adapt your approach according to each patient’s unique circumstances while collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience in conducting patient assessments and developing care plans. In the initial assessment phase, I focus on gathering comprehensive information about the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and any relevant lifestyle factors. This involves active listening, asking open-ended questions, and using appropriate physical examination techniques to obtain accurate data.

Once I have a thorough understanding of the patient’s condition, I collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, therapists, and social workers, to develop an individualized care plan. This includes setting realistic goals for the patient’s recovery or management of their condition, determining appropriate interventions, and establishing a timeline for progress evaluation. Throughout this process, I prioritize clear communication with both the patient and their family members to ensure they understand the care plan and feel involved in decision-making.

As the care plan is implemented, I continuously monitor the patient’s response to interventions and make adjustments as needed. Regular reassessments are essential to evaluate progress and determine if changes to the care plan are necessary. This dynamic approach allows me to provide high-quality, patient-centered care that supports overall health and well-being.”

3. How do you handle high-stress situations, such as emergencies or multiple patients needing attention at once?

In the world of nursing, high-stress situations and emergencies are virtually unavoidable. As a result, hiring managers want to ensure that potential candidates possess strong coping skills and can effectively prioritize tasks under pressure. Demonstrating your ability to remain calm, focused, and efficient in these situations is essential to providing the best possible care to patients, even when the going gets tough.

Example: “Handling high-stress situations is an essential part of being a nurse, and I’ve developed strategies to manage these scenarios effectively. First, I prioritize tasks based on the urgency of each patient’s needs, using my clinical judgment and adhering to established protocols. This allows me to address the most critical issues first while ensuring that all patients receive appropriate care.

During emergencies or when multiple patients require attention simultaneously, teamwork and communication become even more important. I collaborate closely with my colleagues, delegating tasks when necessary and keeping everyone informed about any changes in a patient’s condition. This coordinated approach helps us provide efficient and effective care under pressure, ultimately benefiting our patients and contributing to a positive work environment.”

4. Describe your experience administering medications and monitoring for side effects.

When it comes to nursing, patient safety and well-being are of the utmost importance. Administering medications and monitoring for side effects are crucial tasks that nurses perform daily. By asking this question, interviewers want to assess your knowledge and experience in handling medications, as well as your ability to recognize and manage potential side effects. Your response will demonstrate your attention to detail, commitment to patient care, and understanding of medication protocols.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience in administering medications and monitoring patients for side effects. In various clinical settings, including medical-surgical units and intensive care, I have been responsible for managing medication administration for a diverse patient population with complex needs.

To ensure safe and accurate medication administration, I follow the “five rights” of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. Additionally, I educate patients about their medications, potential side effects, and any necessary precautions. After administering medications, I closely monitor patients for any adverse reactions or side effects, documenting my observations and promptly reporting any concerns to the healthcare team. This vigilant approach has allowed me to provide optimal patient care while minimizing risks associated with medication administration.”

5. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult patient or family member? If so, how did you handle the situation?

Empathy, patience, and communication skills are at the heart of nursing. Amidst the daily challenges of providing care, nurses often encounter patients and family members who are under immense stress, which can result in difficult interactions. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your ability to navigate these situations with professionalism, compassion, and a focus on providing the best care possible. They want to see that you can maintain a positive attitude and effectively address concerns while keeping the well-being of your patients and their families in mind.

Example: “Yes, I have encountered difficult patients and family members during my nursing career. One particular situation involved a patient who was in severe pain and became agitated as a result. The patient’s family member was also distressed and demanded immediate attention.

To handle the situation, I first acknowledged their concerns and empathized with their feelings of frustration. I calmly explained that we were doing everything possible to manage the patient’s pain and reassured them that their well-being was our top priority. I then collaborated with the attending physician to expedite the administration of appropriate pain relief medication for the patient. Throughout the process, I maintained open communication with both the patient and their family member, providing updates on the progress and addressing any questions they had.

This approach helped diffuse the tension and demonstrated my commitment to providing quality care while maintaining professionalism and empathy. Ultimately, the patient’s pain was managed effectively, and the family member expressed gratitude for our efforts.”

6. What steps do you take to ensure proper infection control and prevention measures are followed?

Patient safety is a top priority in the healthcare field, and infection control plays a critical role in maintaining that safety. Interviewers ask this question to assess your knowledge of infection prevention protocols and to gain insight into your commitment to adhering to these guidelines. Your ability to follow proper infection control measures not only protects patients, but also contributes to a safer work environment for yourself and your colleagues.

Example: “To ensure proper infection control and prevention measures are followed, I adhere to the established protocols and guidelines set by my healthcare facility and regulatory bodies. First and foremost, I practice consistent hand hygiene, washing my hands thoroughly before and after patient contact, as well as when handling any equipment or materials that may be contaminated.

I also follow standard precautions such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection when necessary. This not only protects me but also helps prevent cross-contamination between patients. Additionally, I am diligent in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment according to the recommended procedures, ensuring a safe environment for both patients and staff members.

Furthermore, I stay up-to-date on the latest infection control guidelines and participate in ongoing training to maintain my knowledge and skills. This enables me to effectively educate patients and their families about the importance of infection prevention practices, such as proper handwashing techniques and vaccination schedules, ultimately contributing to a safer healthcare environment for everyone involved.”

7. Explain the importance of accurate documentation in nursing practice.

Accuracy in documentation is critical in nursing because it serves as a communication tool, a legal record, and a reflection of the quality of care provided. It ensures that all healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care have access to the same information and can make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date knowledge. Additionally, proper documentation can protect both the patient and the nurse in the event of legal disputes, demonstrating compliance with professional standards and regulations.

Example: “Accurate documentation in nursing practice is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures effective communication among healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care. Detailed and accurate records allow nurses, physicians, and other team members to understand the patient’s medical history, current condition, treatment plans, and any changes that have occurred. This facilitates informed decision-making and helps maintain continuity of care.

Moreover, proper documentation serves as legal evidence of the care provided to patients. In case of any disputes or malpractice claims, well-documented records can protect both the nurse and the healthcare facility by demonstrating adherence to professional standards and guidelines. Ultimately, accurate documentation contributes to improved patient outcomes, enhanced interprofessional collaboration, and reduced risk of errors in clinical practice.”

8. Can you provide an example of when you had to advocate for a patient’s needs or wishes?

Advocating for a patient’s needs and wishes is a fundamental aspect of nursing. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to recognize what is best for the patient, communicate their needs effectively, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the patient’s well-being. Your response will demonstrate your dedication to patient-centered care and your ability to navigate challenging situations while prioritizing the patient’s best interests.

Example: “During my time as a nurse in the oncology department, I had a patient who was undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. The patient expressed concerns about the side effects and their impact on his quality of life. He wanted to explore alternative treatment options but felt hesitant to discuss it with his primary physician.

As his nurse, I recognized the importance of advocating for his needs and wishes. I arranged a meeting with the patient, his family, and the primary physician to openly discuss his concerns and explore potential alternatives. During the conversation, I made sure the patient’s voice was heard and that he felt supported in expressing his thoughts.

This collaborative approach led to a thorough evaluation of the available treatment options, taking into account the patient’s preferences and overall well-being. Ultimately, we were able to develop a modified treatment plan that better aligned with the patient’s goals while still providing effective care. This experience reinforced the vital role nurses play in advocating for patients and ensuring their individual needs are considered in the decision-making process.”

9. Describe your experience working with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, therapists, and social workers.

A successful nurse thrives in a collaborative environment, where multiple professionals with diverse skills come together to provide comprehensive care for patients. By asking about your experience with interdisciplinary teams, interviewers want to gauge your ability to communicate effectively, collaborate on problem-solving, and contribute positively to the overall care of patients. This question allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the value of teamwork in healthcare settings.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have had the opportunity to work closely with interdisciplinary teams in various healthcare settings. This collaboration is essential for providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. For instance, during my time at a rehabilitation center, I worked alongside physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers to develop individualized care plans for patients recovering from strokes or traumatic injuries.

Effective communication was key in these situations, as each team member brought their unique expertise to address different aspects of the patients’ needs. Regular meetings were held to discuss progress, challenges, and any necessary adjustments to the care plan. As a nurse, my role involved not only administering medications and monitoring vital signs but also acting as an advocate for the patient by sharing observations and concerns with the team. This collaborative approach allowed us to provide well-rounded care that addressed both the medical and psychosocial needs of our patients, ultimately leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.”

10. How do you stay current on new developments and best practices in nursing?

Staying current with new developments and best practices in nursing is essential for providing the best possible care to patients. Interviewers ask this question to determine if you are committed to continuous learning and professional development, which is vital for keeping up with the ever-evolving healthcare landscape and maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Example: “To stay current on new developments and best practices in nursing, I actively engage in continuous learning through various channels. Firstly, I subscribe to reputable nursing journals and newsletters, which provide updates on the latest research findings, clinical guidelines, and advancements in patient care. This helps me stay informed about evidence-based practices that can improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, I participate in professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, where I can learn from experts in the field and network with fellow nurses. These events not only enhance my knowledge but also allow me to share experiences and discuss challenges with peers who may have valuable insights.

Another essential aspect of staying current is maintaining an active membership in professional nursing organizations. These associations offer resources, educational materials, and support for their members, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes growth and excellence within the profession. Through these efforts, I ensure that my practice remains up-to-date and aligned with the highest standards of nursing care.”

11. What is your approach to educating patients and their families about their health conditions and treatment plans?

Empathy and education are key in the nursing profession. Patients and their families often rely on nurses to provide information, guidance, and emotional support during challenging times. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to effectively communicate complex medical information to patients, as well as to assess your interpersonal skills and commitment to patient-centered care.

Example: “My approach to educating patients and their families involves breaking down complex medical information into simpler terms that are easy to understand. I believe it’s essential to tailor the explanation to the patient’s level of comprehension, taking into account factors such as age, cultural background, and prior knowledge about their condition.

I start by assessing the patient’s current understanding of their health situation and then build upon that foundation. I use visual aids, analogies, or real-life examples when appropriate to help clarify concepts. Additionally, I encourage open communication by inviting questions and addressing any concerns they may have. This interactive process not only helps them grasp the information better but also fosters trust and rapport between us.

Moreover, I emphasize the importance of following treatment plans and provide clear instructions on medication administration, lifestyle modifications, and follow-up appointments. I also make sure to involve family members in the education process, as their support plays a vital role in the patient’s adherence to the treatment plan and overall well-being.”

12. Discuss your experience with wound care management.

Wound care management is a critical aspect of nursing, as it helps patients heal properly and prevents infections. By asking about your experience, interviewers want to assess your knowledge of wound care techniques, your ability to adapt to different patient needs, and your overall competence in this essential skill. They also want to ensure that you can provide compassionate and effective care to patients with a variety of wound types and complexities.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience in wound care management across various settings, including acute care and long-term care facilities. My responsibilities have included assessing the severity of wounds, determining appropriate treatment plans, and monitoring patients’ progress.

I am well-versed in different types of dressings and their applications, such as hydrocolloids for moist wound healing or alginate dressings for highly exudative wounds. Additionally, I have experience with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for more complex cases. In collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals, I ensure that each patient’s wound care plan is tailored to their specific needs while adhering to evidence-based practices and infection control protocols. This comprehensive approach has consistently led to positive outcomes and improved quality of life for my patients.”

13. How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague regarding patient care?

When it comes to nursing, teamwork and collaboration are critical for providing the best possible patient care. This question aims to gauge your ability to navigate conflicts professionally and maintain a healthy working relationship with your colleagues, while keeping the patient’s well-being at the forefront of every decision. Interviewers want to see that you can handle disagreements with grace and diplomacy and work constructively towards a resolution.

Example: “When faced with a disagreement regarding patient care, my primary focus is always on the well-being of the patient. I would first listen carefully to my colleague’s perspective and try to understand their rationale behind their approach. Open communication and active listening are essential in resolving such conflicts.

If we still cannot reach an agreement, I would consult evidence-based practices, guidelines, or protocols relevant to the situation. If necessary, I would also involve our supervisor or another experienced team member to provide guidance and mediate the discussion. This collaborative approach ensures that we make informed decisions based on professional expertise and ultimately prioritize the best interests of the patient.”

14. Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to a change in a patient’s condition.

Nursing is a dynamic profession where patients’ conditions can change rapidly, and being adaptable is an essential skill. A nurse must be quick to assess, adjust and respond to new situations for the well-being of their patients. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to think on your feet, prioritize, and make sound decisions under pressure—all while remaining composed and focused on providing the best possible care.

Example: “I recall a situation where I was caring for an elderly patient who had recently undergone surgery. The patient initially appeared to be recovering well, with stable vital signs and no significant complications. However, during one of my routine checks, I noticed that the patient’s breathing had become labored, and their oxygen saturation levels were dropping rapidly.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, I immediately called for assistance from my colleagues and informed the attending physician. While waiting for the doctor to arrive, I administered supplemental oxygen and closely monitored the patient’s vital signs. We later discovered that the patient had developed a pulmonary embolism, which required prompt intervention. Thanks to our quick response and teamwork, we were able to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications. This experience reinforced the importance of vigilance and adaptability in nursing, as patients’ conditions can change unexpectedly and require immediate action.”

15. What strategies do you use to manage your workload and prioritize tasks during a busy shift?

As a nurse, you’ll face a variety of challenges during your shifts, from attending to patients with different needs to coordinating care with other healthcare professionals. Interviewers want to know that you can maintain a clear head, stay organized, and prioritize tasks effectively even when things get hectic. Demonstrating your ability to manage your workload is essential to proving that you can provide high-quality care under pressure.

Example: “To manage my workload and prioritize tasks during a busy shift, I start by organizing my responsibilities at the beginning of each shift. I review patient charts, gather information on their conditions, and identify any urgent or time-sensitive needs. This helps me create a mental map of what needs to be done and when.

Throughout the shift, I continuously reassess priorities based on new developments or changes in patients’ conditions. Effective communication with my colleagues is essential for this process, as it allows us to coordinate our efforts and ensure that all critical tasks are addressed promptly. Additionally, I make use of downtime between tasks to complete documentation and other administrative duties, which helps prevent these from piling up towards the end of the shift.

When faced with multiple high-priority tasks, I rely on my clinical judgment and experience to determine which task should take precedence. In such situations, I also seek input from my team members and collaborate with them to ensure that we provide the best possible care to our patients while maintaining efficiency and organization throughout the shift.”

16. Can you discuss your experience caring for patients with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs?

Healthcare employers seek nurses who can effectively manage patients with long-term or intricate health conditions. These patients often require ongoing, specialized care and attention, and it’s essential to ensure their well-being and comfort. Demonstrating your experience handling such cases shows your ability to work in diverse healthcare settings and that you possess the skills necessary to care for patients with varying levels of medical complexity.

Example: “During my time as a nurse, I have had the opportunity to care for patients with various chronic illnesses and complex medical needs. One of my most memorable experiences was working in an outpatient dialysis clinic where I provided care for patients with end-stage renal disease. This role required me to closely monitor their vital signs, administer medications, and manage any complications that arose during treatment.

Another significant experience involved caring for patients with diabetes in a primary care setting. In this role, I collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans, educate patients on self-management techniques, and ensure they received appropriate follow-up care. These experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, effective communication, and teamwork when managing patients with chronic conditions or complex medical needs.”

17. How do you maintain confidentiality and protect patient privacy in your daily work?

Patient confidentiality and privacy are cornerstones of the healthcare profession. Ensuring these elements are upheld not only demonstrates your understanding of ethical and legal responsibilities, but also highlights your commitment to providing compassionate and respectful care. Interviewers ask this question to assess your ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect sensitive patient information in various situations.

Example: “Maintaining confidentiality and protecting patient privacy is a top priority in my daily nursing practice. One way I ensure this is by strictly adhering to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines, as well as following my hospital’s policies and procedures related to patient information.

I am cautious when discussing patient information, making sure that conversations take place only in private settings where unauthorized individuals cannot overhear. Additionally, I avoid using any identifiable patient details during handovers or team meetings unless it is absolutely necessary for providing appropriate care. When working with electronic health records, I always log out of the system when stepping away from the computer to prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, I educate patients about their rights to privacy and involve them in decisions regarding the sharing of their medical information with other healthcare providers. This approach not only safeguards patient privacy but also fosters trust between the patient and me as their nurse.”

18. What role does cultural competence play in providing effective nursing care?

Cultural competence is vital in nursing because it acknowledges and respects the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values of patients. By understanding different cultures, you can provide personalized and compassionate care tailored to each patient’s needs. Interviewers want to ensure that you are aware of the importance of cultural competence and are able to adapt to various situations, ensuring every patient receives the best possible care in a respectful and inclusive environment.

Example: “Cultural competence plays a significant role in providing effective nursing care, as it enables nurses to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values of their patients. This understanding helps build trust and rapport between the nurse and patient, which is essential for fostering open communication and ensuring that patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and needs.

Moreover, cultural competence allows nurses to tailor their care approach to meet the unique needs of each patient. For instance, being aware of specific cultural practices or religious beliefs can help nurses develop individualized care plans that are both respectful and effective. In turn, this leads to improved patient satisfaction, better adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, better health outcomes. Embracing cultural competence is not only an ethical responsibility but also a vital component of delivering high-quality nursing care in today’s increasingly diverse healthcare environment.”

19. Describe your experience using electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Familiarity with electronic health record systems is essential in modern healthcare, as they have become a critical tool for patient care and communication among healthcare professionals. Interviewers want to know that you have experience in using EHR systems and can efficiently manage patient information, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality while streamlining the flow of vital data to support quality patient care.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience using various electronic health record (EHR) systems. In my previous role at a large hospital, we used Epic as our primary EHR system. I became proficient in navigating the platform to access patient information, input vital signs and other clinical data, update medication lists, and document care plans.

When I transitioned to my current position at a smaller clinic, they were using Cerner for their EHR needs. Although it was a different system, my prior experience with Epic allowed me to quickly adapt to the new interface. I’ve found that being comfortable with multiple EHR systems has been beneficial not only for maintaining accurate patient records but also for collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams across different healthcare settings.”

20. How do you handle end-of-life care and support for patients and their families?

Providing end-of-life care is a significant and emotional aspect of nursing, and interviewers want to know if you have the skills, empathy, and emotional resilience to support patients and their families through this challenging time. Your approach to end-of-life care speaks volumes about your compassion and professionalism, as well as your ability to communicate effectively and provide emotional support to those in need.

Example: “End-of-life care is a delicate and emotionally charged aspect of nursing, but it’s essential to provide compassionate support for both patients and their families. When dealing with end-of-life situations, I prioritize open communication and empathy. I make sure to listen carefully to the patient’s needs and concerns, as well as those of their family members, in order to address any questions or fears they may have.

Furthermore, I collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, social workers, and chaplains, to ensure that we are providing comprehensive care tailored to the patient’s wishes and values. This includes managing pain and symptoms effectively, facilitating discussions about advance directives, and offering emotional support during this difficult time. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where the patient feels comfortable, respected, and cared for while helping their loved ones navigate through the process with understanding and compassion.”

21. What techniques do you use to establish rapport and trust with your patients?

Establishing rapport and trust with patients is an essential component of nursing. As a healthcare professional, your ability to connect with patients on a personal level can significantly impact their overall experience and well-being. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your interpersonal skills and ability to empathize with patients, as well as to assess your strategies for creating a comfortable, reassuring environment that fosters open communication and promotes patient satisfaction.

Example: “Establishing rapport and trust with patients is essential for providing effective nursing care. One technique I use is active listening, which involves giving the patient my full attention, maintaining eye contact, and using verbal and non-verbal cues to show that I am engaged in the conversation. This helps the patient feel heard and understood, fostering a sense of trust.

Another technique I employ is empathy. I make an effort to understand the patient’s feelings and concerns by putting myself in their shoes. I acknowledge their emotions and validate their experiences, creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and needs. Additionally, I maintain professionalism and respect their privacy by keeping their information confidential. These techniques have proven successful in building strong relationships with my patients, ultimately enhancing the quality of care I provide.”

22. Can you discuss your experience with IV therapy, including insertion, maintenance, and medication administration?

Nursing is a profession that requires a wide range of practical skills and knowledge, of which IV therapy is a critical component. As a nurse, you will be responsible for managing patients’ intravenous lines, administering medications, and monitoring their overall health. By asking about your experience with IV therapy, the interviewer wants to gauge your competency in this area, ensuring that you are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come with providing high-quality patient care.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience with IV therapy. During the insertion process, I prioritize patient comfort and safety by using proper aseptic techniques to minimize infection risks. I carefully select the appropriate vein, gauge size, and catheter length based on the patient’s needs and condition. Once inserted, I secure the IV site with sterile dressings and ensure that it is properly labeled.

For maintenance, I regularly assess the IV site for signs of complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection. I also monitor the infusion rate and adjust it according to the prescribed medication dosage and administration schedule. Additionally, I educate patients about their IV therapy, including its purpose, potential side effects, and any necessary precautions they should take.

When administering medications through an IV line, I adhere to the “five rights” of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. I double-check the medication order, prepare the correct dosage, and use the appropriate dilution and infusion rates. Furthermore, I closely observe the patient during and after medication administration for any adverse reactions or side effects, ensuring prompt intervention if needed. This comprehensive approach has allowed me to provide safe and effective IV therapy to my patients consistently.”

23. Describe a challenging ethical dilemma you have faced in your nursing career and how you resolved it.

Navigating ethical dilemmas is an essential aspect of nursing, as these professionals often find themselves in situations where they must balance the best interests of their patients, the wishes of the patient’s family, and the policies of the healthcare institution. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your critical thinking skills, your ability to stay calm under pressure, and your commitment to upholding the values and principles of the nursing profession.

Example: “During my time as a nurse in the intensive care unit, I encountered an ethical dilemma involving end-of-life care. A terminally ill patient with advanced cancer was admitted to our unit, and their family insisted on aggressive treatment despite the patient’s poor prognosis and expressed wishes for comfort measures only.

To resolve this situation, I first approached the attending physician to discuss the case and ensure that we were both on the same page regarding the patient’s best interests. We then arranged a meeting with the patient’s family members to openly discuss the patient’s condition, prognosis, and preferences. During the conversation, we emphasized the importance of respecting the patient’s autonomy while also addressing the family’s concerns and emotions.

After several discussions, the family ultimately agreed to prioritize the patient’s comfort and quality of life over aggressive treatments. This experience taught me the value of open communication, empathy, and collaboration when navigating complex ethical dilemmas in nursing practice.”

24. How do you ensure effective communication with patients who have language barriers or cognitive impairments?

Clear communication is essential in nursing, as it directly impacts the quality of care provided to patients. When caring for individuals with language barriers or cognitive impairments, misunderstandings can lead to poor patient experiences or even adverse health outcomes. By asking this question, interviewers want to assess your ability to adapt your communication style, utilize resources, and employ creative strategies to ensure you can effectively connect with and care for all patients, regardless of their communication challenges.

Example: “Effective communication with patients who have language barriers or cognitive impairments is essential for providing quality care. To address language barriers, I first try to identify the patient’s preferred language and utilize available resources such as interpreter services or translation apps to facilitate communication. If possible, I also involve family members who can help bridge the language gap.

For patients with cognitive impairments, I adopt a patient-centered approach by speaking slowly, using simple words, and maintaining eye contact. I frequently use visual aids or gestures to support my verbal explanations and ensure that the patient comprehends the information. Additionally, I actively engage in active listening, allowing the patient ample time to express their thoughts and concerns while validating their feelings. This combination of strategies helps me establish trust and rapport with patients, ensuring effective communication despite any barriers they may face.”

25. What steps do you take to maintain self-care and prevent burnout in the nursing profession?

As a nurse, you often face high-stress situations, long hours, and emotional exhaustion, making self-care and burnout prevention vital for maintaining your well-being and delivering the best patient care. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your awareness of the challenges, your ability to manage stress, and your commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance to ensure longevity and effectiveness in your nursing career.

Example: “To maintain self-care and prevent burnout in the nursing profession, I prioritize both my physical and mental well-being. Physically, I ensure that I get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise to keep my energy levels up and stay healthy. This helps me remain focused and alert during long shifts while providing the best possible care for my patients.

Mentally, I practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises and meditation to manage stress and maintain emotional balance. Additionally, I make it a point to debrief with colleagues after particularly challenging situations, which allows us to support each other and share coping strategies. Lastly, I set aside time for hobbies and activities outside of work that bring me joy and help me recharge, ensuring that I can return to my job refreshed and ready to provide compassionate care to my patients.”

26. Can you provide an example of a quality improvement initiative you participated in at a previous workplace?

Being part of a quality improvement initiative demonstrates your commitment to enhancing patient care and overall health outcomes. Interviewers ask this question to gauge your ability to identify areas for improvement, collaborate with a team, and implement effective solutions. They’re also looking for evidence of your adaptability and willingness to embrace change in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Example: “At my previous workplace, we identified a recurring issue with medication administration errors. To address this problem, I participated in a quality improvement initiative that aimed to reduce these errors and enhance patient safety. Our team consisted of nurses, pharmacists, and physicians who collaborated to analyze the root causes of the errors and develop effective solutions.

We implemented several changes, including standardizing medication storage practices, providing additional training on proper medication administration techniques, and introducing barcode scanning technology for medication verification. We also established regular audits to monitor compliance and track improvements over time.

As a result of our efforts, we observed a significant reduction in medication administration errors within six months. This not only improved patient safety but also increased staff confidence in their ability to provide high-quality care. The success of this initiative reinforced the importance of teamwork and continuous learning in nursing practice.”

27. Describe your experience working with pediatric, geriatric, or other specialized patient populations.

People seeking healthcare often have unique needs, and this is especially true for certain patient populations such as children, the elderly, or those with specific conditions. Interviewers ask this question to assess your ability to adapt your nursing skills and provide specialized care tailored to the needs of these patients. Demonstrating your experience in specialized care shows your versatility and commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Example: “During my nursing career, I have had the opportunity to work with geriatric patients in a long-term care facility. This experience allowed me to develop specialized skills and knowledge in addressing the unique needs of elderly patients. I became proficient in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and dementia while also focusing on providing compassionate care that respects their dignity and autonomy.

One key aspect of working with geriatric patients is understanding the importance of effective communication. Many older adults may have hearing or cognitive impairments, so I always make sure to speak clearly, use simple language, and actively listen to ensure they understand their treatment plans and feel heard. Additionally, I collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, therapists, and social workers, to create comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient’s individual needs. This holistic approach has been instrumental in promoting better health outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life for the geriatric population under my care.”

28. How do you handle situations where a patient refuses treatment or is non-compliant with their care plan?

Empathy, adaptability, and effective communication are essential qualities for nurses, especially when dealing with challenging situations like patient refusal or non-compliance. Interviewers ask this question to assess your ability to navigate these complex situations, maintain a professional demeanor, and ultimately find a solution that respects the patient’s autonomy while ensuring their well-being. They want to see how you balance patient rights with providing the best care possible.

Example: “When faced with a patient who refuses treatment or is non-compliant with their care plan, my first step is to ensure that they fully understand the consequences of their decision. I take time to listen to their concerns and provide clear explanations about the importance of the recommended treatment or care plan in terms they can easily comprehend.

If the patient still remains resistant, I collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, such as physicians, social workers, or therapists, to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the patient’s refusal. This interdisciplinary approach helps us identify potential barriers and develop alternative strategies tailored to the patient’s unique needs and preferences while maintaining their autonomy and respecting their choices.”

29. Discuss your experience with pain management, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Understanding your expertise in pain management is essential for interviewers, as it plays a significant role in a nurse’s daily responsibilities. Patients experience pain in various ways and degrees, and having the ability to assess, manage, and alleviate pain using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods is a critical skill. Demonstrating your knowledge and experience in this area indicates that you can provide comprehensive, individualized care to your patients while ensuring their comfort and well-being.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience in pain management using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. When it comes to pharmacological methods, I am well-versed in administering various types of analgesics such as opioids, NSAIDs, and local anesthetics, depending on the patient’s needs and medical history. I always ensure that I follow proper dosage guidelines and monitor patients for any adverse reactions or side effects.

As for non-pharmacological interventions, I believe they play a vital role in providing holistic care and complementing pharmacological treatments. Some techniques I’ve successfully implemented include deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, distraction, and relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation. Additionally, I encourage patients to communicate their pain levels and preferences openly, which helps me tailor my approach to their individual needs. This combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies has proven effective in managing pain and improving overall patient comfort and satisfaction.”

30. Why do you believe you would be a good fit for our healthcare facility and team?

The healthcare environment is demanding and team-oriented, and finding a candidate who aligns well with the organizational culture is essential. By asking this question, hiring managers are looking for insights into your values, work style, and how you view collaboration. They want to ensure that you’ll be able to work effectively with their team, contribute to a positive work atmosphere, and adapt to the specific needs and expectations of their facility.

Example: “I believe I would be a good fit for your healthcare facility and team because of my strong clinical skills, adaptability, and commitment to providing compassionate care. With my experience in various nursing settings, including medical-surgical units and intensive care, I have developed the ability to quickly assess patients’ needs and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

Furthermore, I understand that your facility places a high emphasis on patient-centered care and teamwork. My communication skills and empathetic nature enable me to build rapport with patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported throughout their healthcare journey. Additionally, I am always eager to learn from my colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment, which aligns well with your facility’s values and goals.”

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Nurse Interview Tips: How to Prepare & Common Questions

5 min read • May, 19 2023

Whether you're a veteran nurse seeking a job change or advancement, or a new graduate pursuing your first nursing job, interviews can be intimidating — but they don't have to be. The key to standing out and making an excellent first impression is understanding how to prepare for a nursing interview.

Use Your Nursing Skills to Nail the Interview

When preparing for your dream nursing job, put your best foot forward by applying the critical skills health care administrators seek. Quality nursing skills include attention to detail, communication skills, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn. Show prospective employers you possess these traits and have what it takes to get the job done.

Nursing Interview Tips to Get You Ready

Research the organization's mission and history . To better understand their culture and values, review their social media presence, patient ratings, comments from patients and employees, and how they respond and interact. Speak to colleagues who have worked at the organization or visit online nursing forums for information.
Read the job description . Compare it to your nursing qualifications and achievements. Nursing interviews often use situational questions, so this evaluation helps you prepare to show you have a sound grasp of the role and necessary skills.
Prepare potential questions . Employers prefer candidates who are engaged in the conversation. Ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio, onboarding, performance evaluations, nurse retention , flexibility with schedules, why the organization is an excellent place to work, and the potential for advancement.
Be aware of your body language, and the body language of your interviewer.
Virtual interviews have grown in popularity, so make sure your camera is on and turn off or silence your phone.
Phone interviews are often conducted to narrow down potential candidates, so ask about the next steps before hanging up.
Practice nursing interview questions . Be sure to take notes as you think of possible scenarios or responses. There are also countless resources available to assist you with mock interviews.
Develop a professional resume and a well-written cover letter . Print an extra copy (or two) with references from prior nurse managers or nursing instructors to leave behind. Find tips from ANA on how to craft your nursing resume ahead of your interview.
Clean up your social media . Check your online content and photos for unprofessional material. It's wise to make all accounts private except for your LinkedIn account, which should include a professional photo and current work information.
Be on time . Virtual interviews may have technical delays, and you could hit traffic on the way to an in-person interview. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your interview to show you're prompt and reliable.
Send a follow-up email . These emails can be brief, but they're crucial to solidifying an excellent first impression. Use this opportunity to thank them for their time and provide a short statement on why you're the best candidate for the position. Pro tip: Wait twenty-four hours after your interview to send a follow-up note.

How to Answer Nursing Interview Questions

Solid communication is the cornerstone of admirable nursing skills, so draw upon your interactive abilities to shine during your interview.

Apply your communication skills to respond to nursing interview questions. Incorporate vital nursing characteristics into your responses. These may include reflecting on your ability to prioritize patient care, being an effective part of a team, and adapting to stressful situations.
Use hypothetical true to life nursing situations in your responses to avoid sounding robotic or insincere.
Remember to utilize your active listening skills and observe nonverbal cues such as the interviewer's body language and your own.
Incorporate storytelling tactics to answer questions. Use a STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) by addressing a specific situation, the task involved, your actions, and the outcome. Always include what you learned from the experience.

Prepare for Common Nursing Interview Questions

A female nurse is seated at a desk at home and is facing a computer screen. She is speaking with a male interviewer using an online platform.

Most health care organizations lean on behavior-based interview questions for nurses to determine how candidates might respond in certain situations or with various personality types.

Typical Interview Questions for Nurses

What are your nursing strengths and weaknesses?
Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a colleague. How did you handle it? Pro tip: Discuss how you worked with difficult patients and colleagues or coped in a stressful health care environment.
Share a time you disagreed with a decision made by a provider. How did you respond, and what was the result?
Explain a situation where a patient or family member was unhappy with your care. How was the situation handled?
Describe a circumstance where you were asked to disclose personal, private information by a patient's loved one. How did you respond? Pro tip: Summarize how you maintained patient confidentiality and HIPPA laws while supporting the family member.
How do you manage stress in the workplace?
Explain a specific incident where you failed.
Tell us about an occasion when you were involved in a miscommunication with a coworker. How was the situation handled? Pro tip: Provide an example of how you took ownership and uncovered the source of the issue.
Describe when you felt a patient declined, and a provider wouldn't listen to your concerns.
Why do you want to work for us? Pro tip: Discuss how the organization's culture, mission, and goals fit yours.

Determine if the Position Is the Right Fit

Remember that the interview isn't just for the organization to decide if they want to hire you. You should also evaluate them to determine if they're the correct fit for your career and long-term goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a change, don't let the interview process intimidate you. When you're properly prepared and confident, it will show in your interaction with prospective employers.

In the market for a new job? Visit the ANA Career Center to find open nursing positions from thousands of employers.

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16 Nursing Interview Questions You Might Get Asked (and How to Answer Them)

You just got called into an interview for a nursing job—congrats! You’re probably thrilled, but also feeling a bit panicked, wondering “What are they going to ask me?” or “How will I handle a question I don’t know how to answer ?” Not to worry— we’ve got inside information on common nursing interview questions so you’ll be prepped for anything that comes your way.

First, you’re going to get a lot of general interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” , “Why is there a gap in your employment history?” , or “Why do you want this job?” . Be sure you know how to answer those basics with ease. Second, while you want to present yourself in the best light possible, you don’t want to lie about your past experience.

“Every hospital, every healthcare company wants nurses that are ethical and have integrity,” says Greg Musto, Chief Executive Officer at The Roman Healthcare Group , who’s spent over eight years recruiting candidates for roles in healthcare. So if they see an inconsistency in your employment history or on your resume, “it draws red flags immediately.”

“I always tell our candidates, be 100% honest,” Musto says. “Don’t hide a job that didn’t go well, because it’s going to come back up and it’s going to look like you’re being dishonest.”

Overall, hiring managers are looking for several things in candidates, says Raymond Dacillo, Director of Operations at C-Care Health Services : “Professionalism, attention to detail, critical thinking, time management, and communication. Our questions usually revolve around these attributes.”

10 common nursing interview questions—and how to answer them

Here are some common interview questions for nurses you may be asked during your job-seeking journey, as well as some advice for how you can answer them (and pass the test with flying colors!).

The more interviews you get, the better your chances of getting hired—apply now to these amazing nurse jobs on The Muse »

1. Why did you pursue nursing?

Healthcare hiring managers care about passion—for nursing, for quality patient care and safety, and for making a positive impact on people’s lives.

“Passion is probably one of the most important things,” says Musto. “There are so many times where it comes down to two candidates, both equally qualified, and they will always take the candidate with more passion about why they’re doing what they’re doing.”

If a nurse isn’t in love with their field, Musto points out, they won’t work well with others, and they also won’t work well with patients.

How to answer it

Explain what drew you to nursing from a mission standpoint. What do you love most about it? What gets you excited about the field? What is it about taking care of patients that resonates with you? Don’t be afraid to tie it back to a personal anecdote, such as a childhood experience or a relative who was a nurse.

(These three women’s stories about why they choose a career path in medicine might inspire your own pitch.)

2. How do you handle workplace stress?

Nursing can be a physically and emotionally taxing career, so it’s important for interviewers to see that you know how to balance work and life. And that you’ll be able to take care of yourself—no matter how grueling the work gets—so that you can come back the next day ready to continue to perform.

“Every day you’re opening the obituaries and seeing a patient that you treated for 10 years, or you’re seeing that mom who had three small kids who died of breast cancer,” says Emily Hershey, BSN, RN, Executive Search Consultant of Clinical Nursing at The Roman Healthcare Group. So when she’s interviewing candidates, she wants to know how they deal with and overcome “compassion fatigue.”

Underneath this question, she says, she really wants to know: “How do you handle your emotions changing in a matter of 30 seconds, and be able to go from room to room? And then be able to go home to be with your spouse and children?” Overall, good nurses have strong emotional intelligence—about their patients, sure, but also about themselves.

There’s no right or wrong answer to this: Just explain how you’ve learned to cope with the stresses and exhaustion of the job. Do you exercise? Bake? Unplug with a good movie and some quality family time?

Bonus: Adding a couple specific examples of times you’ve had to overcome an especially emotional situation or day can make your answer even stronger.

3. How would you handle a crisis?

As Musto says, dealing with crises in other industries may be an exception to the rule, but in healthcare, “it’s the norm.”

This is especially the case for emergency nurses, who have to work speedily to get patients in and out of the ER and be able to change course at the drop of a hat, while also maintaining steady compassion and quality of care.

Questions like this one, as well as many of the other questions on this list, are asked because interviewers don’t just want to hear that you can handle stress—but that you’ve handled it before and came out the other side unscathed.

“You need to be prepared to give examples of your work,” Musto says. Think of a time when a crisis developed in a past job. How did you react? “I panicked and left” or “I hate stress so I just avoid it” or “I let my staff take care of it” won’t cut it. You want to come across as someone who can handle anything calmly, strategically, and proactively.

Hint: Try using the STAR method —Situation, Task, Action, Result—to outline your answer. It’s the best way to structure a response to just about any behavioral question you’re asked, such as “Tell me about a time when...” or “Give me an example of….”

4. How would you deal with someone who’s not satisfied with their patient care?

This often has to do with patient satisfaction scores. Hospitals and healthcare centers can lose millions of dollars on a poor rating, so they want to hire nurses who will guarantee their patients continue to be pleased with their overall experience.

Of course, it’s not just about money—compassion plays a key role in this question, too.

Finally, Dacillo says, “We ask these questions to find out how their problem-solving skills are and how they can address confrontation.”

You want to show that you can maintain stellar patient care (and a level head) in even the most difficult of situations. Building off a past experience can help answer this question, or you can choose a hypothetical situation and explain step-by-step what you would do to solve the issue.

“Usually what I like to hear is they’re actively listening to what the patient or family member is saying, and can explain to them that they understand their frustration and they’re going to review their case and speak with other colleagues,” Dacillo says.

5. How do you handle working with other nurses, doctors, and staff?

Nursing can be a highly collaborative field, and hiring managers want to see that you can get along well with the rest of the team no matter what’s thrown your way.

Very important: Don’t just say “I’m a huge team player.” Show how you’ve been one by giving concrete examples of ways you’ve positively worked with and contributed to a team.

Also, make it clear you actually like working with doctors and other nurses. Talking badly about old colleagues or emphasizing how you’re always right and everyone else is wrong probably won’t go over well with the interviewer.

6. How would you handle a disease outbreak?

This isn’t just a behavioral question to test how you’d deal with this scenario—it’s also a skills-based question. Yes, your resume may show you’re qualified in certain areas. But your interview is just as important a place to flex your expertise—especially if it’s not clear on your application you can do the work.

“Outbreaks are huge these days, because antibiotics resistance is huge,” Musto says. “More and more things are coming into our country that antibiotics can’t cure or have a hard time curing.” A qualified nurse is expected to be trained to notice the signs when something unusual is happening in a patient and to know how to proceed with care.

Walk them through a hypothetical situation (or a real one if you have experience dealing with an outbreak before) and what steps and precautions you’d take, leaning on your training to explain what is and isn’t procedure, why you’re taking each step, and how you’d work with others to solve the problem.

7. If you saw someone administering improper medicine, what would you do?

What they really want to know is if you’d do something. Because it all comes down to a patient’s safety. Someone who’s willing to confront or report another colleague—no matter what their level—to protect a patient has the integrity that makes for a great nurse.

“What they’re looking for is collaborative skills, so not just coming down on somebody but really winning them over with the right personality in order to change behavior,” Musto says.

Being a standout nurse isn’t just about doing the right thing on a small scale, but about being able to influence and create positive change on a larger scale. Plus, knowing how to successfully give feedback to others shows you know how to work with and lead a team.

Draw from past personal experience—whether dealing with this direct issue or a similar one where you had to confront a coworker. Using the STAR method, outline what the situation was, what your role was in it, what action you took (and why), and the result of that action.

The goal? To show that A. you’d take action and B. you’d do it in a way that would encourage the person to listen to you, change their behavior, and be more thoughtful going forward.

8. Do you have [skill/certification]/Do you have experience doing [procedure]?

Again, not everything is completely clear on an application, so many interviewers like to check your hard skills , whether that’s your experience working with certain healthcare record software, inserting IVs, or performing CPR. They also want to ensure you have the proper licensing needed to jump in and get started right away (versus needing to take extra courses or get extra training).

Hopefully this should be pretty straightforward to answer, yes-or-no style. But don’t just stop at saying “yes”—prove you actually know how to do it (and do it well) by giving examples of when you put this skill into practice on the job.

“Whatever’s on paper is easy to write down, but to explain it and provide examples is a different story,” Dacillo says. And if the answer is no, don’t lie. Instead, admit to what you don’t know and focus on what skills you do bring to the table.

Hint: Use the job description to prepare for the kinds of skills and certifications they might ask about. (Here's how to read a job description the right way .)

9. How have you dealt with conflict?

In the nursing career, conflicts can arise at any time. Whether it involves a dissatisfied family member, a difficult patient, or disagreements with colleagues or doctors, stressful situations are quite common. That's why interviewers may want to hear about a time you dealt with conflict to assess your problem-solving skills.

Now isn't the time to dwell on your weaknesses . Rather, showcase your capability to handle conflict calmly and logically. Think about a specific situation where you effectively resolved a conflict, and use an anecdote to strengthen your response—again, employing the STAR method would come in handy.

10. How would your peers describe you?

No matter where you work as a nurse, it's crucial to get along with the healthcare team. Hiring managers may ask what your peers think of you to see if you're a team player or pleasant to work with.

Of course, you should paint yourself in a good light. Think of strong work-related adjectives, such as leader, team player, dynamic, and thoughtful. (Here are 125+ words to describe yourself in a job interview, resume, and more .)

Keep your answer concise but include an example to back it up—after all, your former colleagues and bosses aren't there to confirm what you're saying. For example, “My coworkers often say I am a proactive person, because during [situation], I quickly [action] to [conclusion/result].”

11. Are you a good leader?

Leadership skills are key in virtually every role in every industry—including in a nursing career. In patient care, there are times when you must act quickly and take charge. So hiring managers need to know if you're up to the task.

Like most behavioral questions, this one requires you to share an anecdote to illustrate your leadership skills. It doesn't have to be strictly from a professional context—you could mention a college or community project you led—but a work-related situation would be ideal.

12. Tell me about yourself

This is one of the most common job interview questions. Typically asked at the very beginning of the interview, it gives you the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to the interviewer. Even though it's a simple question, your answer can show a lot: if you have effective communication skills, if you're self aware, and how prepared you are for the interview.

Needless to say, you shouldn't share random facts about yourself. Instead, provide a brief summary of who you are as a professional, highlighting your experience, skills, and accomplishments.

For instance, you could say, “I'm a registered nurse with [years of experience] working in hospitals with [type of patients]. I graduated from [college] in [year]. My first nursing job was at [hospital/facility], and my last role was at [hospital/facility], where I developed [skills] and achieved [accomplishments].”

13. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

That's another broad and common question an interviewer might bring up in a nursing job interview. Like the one above, this question also tests your self-awareness and ability to communicate.

Answering these questions can be tricky because you might mention a weakness that's important for the job, or a strength that's not necessarily relevant—which isn't ideal. So, prepare an honest answer that doesn't jeopardize your chances of getting hired.

Good strengths for a nurse include handling stress well, being an effective communicator, being a problem solver, or being proactive. When it comes to weaknesses, think about a skill or ability that isn't crucial for a nurse's job performance, like public speaking or struggling with self-criticism, for example.

14. Why did you apply to us?

We all know that the biggest motivation to apply for a job is usually money—we all have bills to pay, after all. However, the interviewer wants to know what else, besides the salary and benefits package, caught your eye.

This is the moment to show that you've researched the company. Mention relevant aspects of their culture, values, or mission that attracted you to them. Whenever you can, link these aspects of their business with your professional aspirations.

15. Do you have future career plans/What are your professional goals?

Hiring managers often like to assess a candidate's ambitions and expectations to see if they align with the company's long-term mission and goals. These questions can sometimes replace the traditional “ Where do you see yourself in five years ?” depending on your career level or stage of life, for example.

Your answer doesn't need to be super detailed unless the interviewer asks for more information. Briefly mention a career goal and tie it to the company or job posting. For instance, you could mention your intention to specialize in different types of nursing or a specific nursing field that the hospital or facility is known for.

16. What motivates you?

As a nurse, you bear partial responsibility for patients' health and lives. Your daily routine involves dealing with difficult cases, caring for severely ill people of all ages and backgrounds, and, at times, experiencing loss. Given this, you might get asked about what motivates you to come to work every day.

Focus on why you choose to be a nurse or what professional and emotional rewards you get from your job. Do you enjoy helping people? Do you feel fulfilled when you improve someone's life? Are you motivated by contributing to a patient's recovery?

Questions to ask in a nursing interview

Be sure to bring some questions of your own —and not just “How much does this job pay?” You should be interviewing them to see if it’s a good fit, too! Here are some examples of questions to ask in a nursing interview:

1. How do you like working here?

2. What medical record systems would I be using?

3. Do you provide training? What type?

4. How long is the training period?

5. What are some challenges nurses currently face here?

6. How would you describe the management style of this unit?

7. What are the staffing ratios here?

8. Who would I report to?

9. What is your overtime policy?

10. How is the nurses' success measured in performance reviews?

11. Do you have protocols for dealing with difficult patients?

12. What's the next step in the interview process?

Most Common Nursing Job Interview Questions, Best Answers, and Tips

Discover everything you need to know to crush your nursing job interview, from the most common questions to what to wear to top tips for success. Resources

Job Interviews
Table of Contents:
Tips for Success
Common Interview Questions
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
How to Prepare for a Nursing Interview
What to Wear
Researching the Nursing Facility
After Your Interview

Nursing job interviews can be nerve-wracking. You might be nervous about your lack of experience in the specialty, answering questions on the fly, or dislike talking to people in an intense environment. No matter your anxieties about sitting across from a hiring manager and other interviewers, we have the information you need to make a great first impression.

New grads, LPNs, registered nurses (RNs) , and nurse practitioners (NPs) alike can use these nursing job interview questions and sample answers to prepare during the Job Search . Change the example answers to fit within your nursing experiences and scope of practice, and you've got the start of a great response to some of the most common nursing job interview questions.

Nursing Interview Success and 5 General Tips

Having a successful nursing interview takes practice and planning. While it's important to consider what types of questions the interviewer will ask and the sample answers you'll provide, preparation is critical.

Below are some nursing interview tips you can use so you'll be ready for the big day and can begin living your career goals now.

Tip 1: Practice Your Interview Answers

No two interviews are alike. Interviewers use different questions, making it a little challenging to practice. However, there are a few questions that most interviewers ask that you can practice your answer to so that you'll feel confident when asked. A few of these questions include:

Tell me about yourself.
Where do you see yourself in five/ten years?
Why are you interested in this role with this company?

Tip 2: Use the STAR Method

The STAR method is an excellent strategy you can use anytime you're asked to provide real-life examples of how you handled a specific situation. You can do this by remembering the acronym STAR and laying out each detail following the prompts below:

S - Situation Describe the situation.
T - Task Explain the task or challenge you faced.
A - Action Explain your action and why you chose it.
R - Result Talk about the outcome you achieved.

Tip 3: Review the Job Description

Read the job description just before you go to the interview. This will help you keep key responsibilities on your mind when answering questions.

Tip 4: Bring Your Best Attitude and Biggest Smile

How you treat others is the first sign of the type of team player you'll be on the new team. Always smile and speak respectfully to the receptionist and other staff you encounter. The nurse manager may return to anyone you interacted with and ask how they felt about you. So, treating others with respect and kindness is essential.

Tip 5: Be Yourself

Some of the best career advice anyone can give is to always be yourself. Acting with authenticity, genuineness, and positivity helps the interviewer to see the real you and imagine how you might fit into the team culture.

Most Common Interview Questions & Best Answers

Knowing the types of interview questions you might encounter and sample answers is essential. Common types of questions during nursing interviews include:

Skills-based interview questions seek to understand your proficiency in specific nursing skills, specialties, or practices.
Traditional interview questions help the interviewer get to know you better and learn basic information about why you're looking for a new job or how you might describe yourself to others.
Situational interview questions ask, "What would you do?” in a specific work-related scenario.
Behavioral interview questions are used to identify the "soft skills" you might use on the job. Soft skills are things like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

You may also notice that interview questions have similar topics. We've rounded up some of the most common questions and answers below by subject. Remember to personalize the response to yourself and your nursing experiences and skill sets.

Teamwork Questions

The following questions focus on how you work within the nursing team.

Can you describe a time when you had to work closely with a difficult coworker? How did you handle the situation?

This question assesses your ability to navigate a challenging interpersonal situation. Highlight how you handled the situation while maintaining a productive working relationship with your coworker. Avoid discussing the coworker's lack of professionalism or specific negative traits because the interviewer may perceive this poorly.

Your answer might sound something like this:

I once worked with a coworker I never meshed well with. One night, we were the only RNs on shift and had a code, and it didn't go too well. Afterward, I asked our manager and the coworker if we could talk about the situation and how we might handle it better. The three of us spoke of the problem and our general strengths and weaknesses so we knew how to work better together in the future.

Tell us about a time when you contributed to a team achieving a specific goal.

This question concerns teamwork and how you work together to achieve team goals. Think of a time when you helped to improve a process, policy, or situation and share a specific example.

Try to tell about a situation when you used leadership qualities within the team and turned a challenging problem into a victory. This will help the interviewer see how you implement problem-solving skills and remain positive even during tough times.

How do you handle disagreements within your team, especially regarding patient care?

This question evaluates your conflict resolution skills and ability to advocate for patient care while maintaining a positive team dynamic. It also assesses your leadership skills and ability to resolve issues and remain a good team player.

Your answer might sound like this:

I feel that the best way to handle disagreements within the team is head-on. For example, suppose I disagree with a colleague about handling a difficult patient or family member. In that case, the first thing I do is have an open conversation about it and try to understand their point of view. I always keep the patient's care at the forefront of my mind because that almost always unites us as nurses, and we can quickly come to a resolution.

Can you provide an example of a time when you had to rely on your team to solve a problem or handle a difficult situation?

Nursing is all about collaboration. So, this question assesses your ability to trust and rely on your team members. It might also allow you to talk about how you depend on those in leadership roles, especially during challenging times or working with complex patients or families.

Always end this type of question by telling the interviewer about the outcome. If your story involves patient care, you might also try to discuss critical nursing topics such as patient safety or the importance of charting.

Patient Care Questions

If you're interviewing for a clinical role , you'll likely get asked about patient care. Here are a few of the most common questions.

Can you recall a time when a patient's family was unhappy with the care you provided? How did you respond to that situation?

This question assesses your ability to handle criticism, communicate effectively with patients' families, and take steps to improve the situation.

A sample answer might go something like this:

I made a medication error while caring for a pediatric patient. I took full responsibility for the mistake as soon as I realized I made it. I spoke to the family and let them know too. They asked that I no longer care for their child. I respected their wishes. However, we were able to chat about it later and move past the situation. I think about this error often and learned a lot from it. It has impacted how I conduct med passes and provide patient care even today.

Describe a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional care for a patient.

This question is all about your dedication to the job and patient care. It's also looking to see how you feel about exceeding the patient's, family members, and your leader's expectations to ensure patient satisfaction. You can use the STAR method to guide how you develop your answer. It might sound like the following:

I cared for a terminally ill patient who was very dear to me. He was actively dying at shift change, so I talked to the unit manager and asked if I could stay for a few hours so that the patient and family didn't have a different nurse. The manager agreed, and the family appreciated that I could sit with them and give my undivided attention to them during that challenging time.

How do you handle a situation where a patient is not following the care plan ?

This question can be a little tricky. It's evaluating your problem-solving skills, ability to motivate your patients, and strategies you use to ensure patients follow their care plans . However, you must also demonstrate your understanding and ability to advocate for your patient's rights, a crucial nursing responsibility.

You might say something like the following:

Education is key when it comes to patients not following care plans. I always make sure the patient is part of the care plan process and that they agree to the interventions. This helps ensure buy-in and increases the chances for compliance. However, if they don't follow the care plan, I educate them on the consequences while supporting their rights and ability to choose what's best for them.

Tell us about a time you had to advocate for a patient. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?

Here is another question where you can showcase your ability to advocate for your patient's needs and rights. You might share a story about a time you advocated for the patient's right to be in charge of their care or one about a conflict with a difficult patient or family member.

A sample answer might be something like this:

I cared for a 20-something quadriplegic patient after a car accident. He required around-the-clock care. His lifestyle didn't mesh well with the traditional long-term care facility schedules. So, I advocated changing his meal schedule because he didn't like to get up early and stayed awake late into the night. I worked with the food services department to create a meal schedule that worked for him that wasn't disruptive to their team or nursing. It worked very well for everyone and helped him maintain decision-making power over his schedule.

Personality and Background Questions

The interviewer wants to get to know you. So, they'll probably ask one to two questions like the following to better understand who you are as a person and a nurse.

How would you describe your communication style?

Communication is a critical skill every nurse must have. This question provides an opportunity to share how you interact and use communication skills with patients, their families, and your colleagues. Your answer should also reveal your strength in adapting your communication style to different situations or people.

A sample answer might sound like this:

I'm a direct communicator. However, I always try to change my communication style to meet the person and situation. For example, how I communicate with a 90-year-old versus a 20-year-old patient often looks different. And how I speak with patients versus colleagues is also different. Meeting the person where they are and how they learn, and process information is critical.

Can you describe a situation where you had to demonstrate empathy towards a patient or their family?

The interviewer wants to see how you use empathy on the job, handle emotionally charged situations, and your capacity to provide comfort and understanding.

To answer this question, think of a time you cared for a patient or family member by showing compassion and empathy for their situation. Your answer might include how you used communication, active listening, or specific actions to develop cultural competence or show genuine interest in the patient's care.

How do you handle stress and high-pressure situations at work?

This question aims to understand how you manage stress, maintain composure, and provide high-quality patient care during challenging circumstances. You might answer like this:

I handle stress well during the situation. However, I've found that times of high stress wear on me. So, I practice meditation and deep breathing daily. I also find much comfort in talking about things with my colleagues.

What motivates you in your nursing career?

Almost all nurses have a reason for becoming a nurse. You can show vulnerability by telling a bit of your "why" or the personal story that led you to a career in nursing . It might be a story about a personal healthcare situation with yourself or a family member. This story can showcase your passion for nursing and your ability to be vulnerable with others.

Adaptability Questions

Nurses must be agile and adaptable. Here are several questions you might encounter.

Can you share an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work?

Change is an inevitable occurrence in nursing. So, let the interviewer know how well you handle it and showcase your critical thinking skills and on-the-job resilience.

Use the STAR method to keep this answer short and specific. It might sound like this:

Our admission policies and procedures recently changed. I had to learn the new processes and be able to implement the policy in about seven days.

I reviewed the policies independently and attended an in-person training session. I took notes and made a cheat sheet that I kept in my pocket during each shift until I got comfortable with the new policies and procedures.

I had a few questions about the first admission I completed after the changes. However, once I got answers to my questions, I could complete admissions without problems. Those admissions have been through quality assurance checks, and I scored between 96 and 100% on each.

Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision in a high-pressure environment.

If you've been a nurse for a while, you'll probably have several situations you can use here. However, if you're a new grad, you might need to consider your time as a nursing student.

Patient care scenarios make excellent answers to this question. Be sure to link your story to patient outcomes, safety, and quality of care.

Tell us about a time when you had to learn a new procedure or technology quickly. How did you ensure you became proficient?

This question provides an opportunity to talk about your agility and how you quickly learn new skills. Your answer might be something like the following:

How do you handle unexpected situations or emergencies? Can you provide an example?

This question assesses your ability to stay calm during emergencies and continue using practical critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You might talk about a code or other urgent patient care situation where you had to resolve an emergency quickly.

Questions To Ask the Interviewer

Interviews aren't only for the interviewers to learn more about you and your nursing abilities. It's also an excellent opportunity to learn about the facility, the role, and the people who may soon become your teammates.

Check out a few types of questions you can use to find out more about your new possible employer.

Company and Culture Questions

Understanding the company's culture before your first day on the job is vital. Here are a few questions you can ask.

Can you describe the company culture here and how it supports the work of nurses?

Reason: This question can help you understand the organization's values, mission, and vision and how they translate into the everyday work environment for nurses. Discovering how each person you come in contact with during the interview process describes the culture can help you understand what it might be like if you take this new job.

What is the patient-to-nurse ratio in this facility?

Reason: This question can give you an idea about the workload you can expect and how the organization prioritizes patient care.

How does the organization promote work-life balance for its nursing staff?

Reason: You'll learn much about how the organization supports its nurses' well-being and provides for work-life balance. You should be able to discover how the company puts its nurses in control of their schedule and any programs they offer that help you adjust to work.

Can you share some examples of how this organization has responded to the feedback of its nursing staff?

Reason: Listen for specific examples that can help you understand how the company values input from staff and if the administration acts proactively when making improvements based on feedback.

Training Questions

You should ask about new hire training, orientation, and what kinds of training and career advancement opportunities the company offers. A few sample questions are below.

What opportunities for professional development or continuing education do you offer?

Reason: Life-long learning is key for all nurses. This question will help you understand what to expect from the facility in terms of ongoing learning, continuing education, and other opportunities for growth.

Can you describe the orientation or onboarding process for new nurses?

Reason: Orientation shouldn't be a one-size fits all solution. Hopefully, the answer to this question will help you understand how they approach training and what happens if you need more or less of it. Ensure that the approach they take to orientation supports the transition into the new job.

Does the organization support specialty certifications for its nurses? If so, how?

Reason: Certifications are an excellent way to upskill, gain more knowledge in a specialty, and advance your career. Find out if they pay for training courses, any required exams, and ongoing certification fees.

How does the organization stay updated and implement the latest best practices in nursing care?

Reason: Best practices are imperative in nursing. Be sure the education or training department ensures that best practices are included in all policies and procedures so that you can always provide the best patient care.

Policy Questions

Here are a few critical policy-related questions you can ask.

Can you explain your policies on nurse scheduling and patient assignments?

Reason: Loving your schedule goes a long way toward overall happiness on the job. So, be sure to ask for as many details as possible about how work schedules and patient assignments are managed, and find out how tenure weighs into these processes since you'll be new to the team.

What is your policy on handling workplace conflicts or disagreements among the nursing staff?

Reason: Not only does this question provide insight into policies, but it also helps you understand how involved leadership is with any conflicts that arise. This question also gives you an idea about how positive or negative the work environment might be before you accept the job.

Can you describe your policies regarding safety and infection control?

Reason: Safety and infection control policies protect patients and workers alike. Be sure to ask for specifics about these policies to help you understand the facility's priorities.

What is your attendance policy, including holidays, weekends, and vacations?

Reason: Nurses must work weekends and holidays. However, it's crucial to understand the expectations to ensure you agree to the employer's requirements before you take the job.

Management Questions

You must always ask questions about how nursing leadership interacts with the staff. Below are a few questions that work well.

How does management support the nursing staff in their daily duties?

Reason: Supportive nursing leadership is crucial to a successful nursing team. This question should help you understand how much support, resources, and guidance you can expect from all levels of the nursing leadership team, from shift leads to unit managers to nursing directors and administrators.

Can you describe the leadership style of the nursing management team?

Reason: Nursing leaders use various types of management styles. It's critical to learn how leadership approaches the team and if it aligns with the type of leader you need on the job.

How does management handle feedback and suggestions from the nursing staff?

Reason: It's imperative that nursing leadership is willing to give and receive feedback. This question should help you understand if leadership is open to input and what they do with it once received.

What is the process for performance reviews and promotions within the nursing team?

Reason: Knowing what to expect regarding your performance and any issues you might have is essential. Be sure to find out if the company offers career ladders or other programs that can help you advance in your nursing career.

Preparing for Your Nursing Interview

Preparation is key when looking for a new job. Below are some tips you can use to crush your next nursing interview.

In-Person Interviews

Preparing for in-person interviews is critical. A few ways to ensure you're ready include:

Map out your route the night before.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview begins.
Bring a water bottle so you don't struggle with dry mouth.

Video Call Interviews

Interviewing from home can reduce worries about traffic and parking. However, they still come up with worries and the need to prepare. Here are a few things you should do to be ready for your next video interview:

Check the link the night before to ensure it works.
Let your family know when you'll be in the interview and that you can't be interrupted.
Schedule a family member or babysitter to care for babies and other young children.
Dress as if you're interviewing in person.
Find a location with adequate lighting and one that is clean and tidy.
Use a virtual background if you don't have a background you like.

Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are often more relaxed than remote or in-person interviews. However, it's still crucial to schedule it when you can focus on the interview. Be sure young children are tended by another adult. You must also make sure your phone is fully charged and that you can talk in a quiet environment.

What to Wear and Bring to a Nursing Interview

Your appearance is likely the first thing the interviewer will notice about you. So, be sure to follow these quick five tips to ensure you make a great first impression.

Be sure your clothes fit well, are wrinkle and stain free, and are professional.
Wear business attire and refrain from wearing scrubs.
Choose comfortable, stylish shoes that match your outfit.
Wear your hair away from your face and go light on make-up.
Keep jewelry to a minimum so it's not distracting during the interview.

Flex Your Research of the Facility

The more you know about the healthcare system, the better prepared you'll feel during your interview. Below are a few key areas you should research.

History of the Nursing Facility

Research the history of the nursing facility. This might include knowing who owns the facility and if they've recently acquired or merged with any other facilities. You should also know if the facility has any associations with other companies, organizations, or non-profit organizations.

Goal and Mission of the Facility

Knowing the facility's mission, vision, and values will help you answer questions during your interview. You can also discuss this during the interview if the mission or values align well with what you believe or how you act as a nurse.

Statistics of the Facility

Find out basic information such as how many beds it has, the types of professionals on the healthcare team, and what types of units the facility offers. Be sure to investigate if they have any specialty units you might want to advance to in the future so you can talk about future goals.

What to Do After Your Nursing Interview

You can take a nice deep breath once the interview is over. However, you're not finished.

It's critical to send an email within 24 hours of the interview to thank the interviewer for their time and hospitality. This also affords you an excellent opportunity to let them know how much you're truly interested in the job and that you'd love to join the team.

About Melissa Mills, BSN

Melissa Mills has 26 years experience as a BSN and specializes in Workforce Development, Education, Advancement.

More Like This

50 Most Asked Nursing Interview Questions with Answers

A nursing job interview is challenging whether you are a new nurse or have a long nursing career. The interview process presents unique nurse interview questions that need the correct nursing-specific answers to impress the hiring manager and assure the prospective employer that you’re a good fit.

We will review the best way to answer behavioral interview questions, list the 50 most common nursing interview questions, and provide a great sample answer for each.

How to Answer: STAR Format

The STAR method is a structured way to deliver an answer when responding to a behavioral question. Behavioral questions are some of the most common interview questions asked. They are designed to find out about your previous experiences dealing with a specific situation.

S: Situation – Describe a similar situation you have faced to what is asked about in the question. T: Task – Explain what task must be completed to resolve the situation. A: Action – Briefly state what action(s) you took to complete the tasks. R: Results – State the outcome if you did the right thing, and what you learned.

Your Background and Driving Forces

Example #1: Tell me about yourself. Why do you think you will make a good nurse?

Important Points to Address: Explain what traits you possess that are desirable in a nursing role.

Sample Answer: I am empathetic, genuinely caring, hard-working, good at following instructions and rules, and enjoy working as a team. When faced with a difficult situation, I can also think on my feet.

I know how to apply my experience and professional judgment to find safe and compliant solutions.

Example #2: What do you know about the role of a nurse?

Important Points to Address: Any potential employer wants to know that you understand the commitments and requirements of your role, especially if you have just completed your nursing degree.

Sample Answer: Nurses are healthcare professionals whose primary job is to support the provision of quality medical care as directed by doctors. This includes observations, medication administration, blood drawing and collection of fluids, and provisions of general care.

When you provide general care, you assist patients with personal hygiene and daily activities when their condition or capacity requires.

Example #3: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Important Points to Address: A great way to answer this question is to discuss how you plan to grow and develop in the new role long-term.

Sample Answer: As a new grad, this is a career path that I am committed to for the long term. The first thing I am focused on is quickly becoming proficient in the new role and proving myself as a valuable team player.

In 5 years, I would like to have developed considerable work experience and additional certifications. At that time, I would like to be well on my way to progressing in seniority.

Example #4: Why are you leaving your previous nursing role?

Important Points to Address: Never say anything negative about a previous employer. Instead, explain how the new job is a step forward.

Sample Answer: I have enjoyed my current position. It is a great work environment, and I have learned a lot and developed myself professionally. However, this job was such a great opportunity I couldn’t pass it up. It is the obvious next step in my career.

Example #5: Do you work well under pressure?

Important Points to Address: Most healthcare facilities are high-pressure environments, so knowing you can handle stressful situations is important.

Sample Answer: I not only work well under pressure, but I also do some of my best work under pressure. I find the speed of a fast-paced environment keeps me on my toes. A high-pressure environment ensures there is always something to do and new challenges to face.

Example #6: What is your biggest weakness?

Important Points to Address: A great answer to this question is to present a weakness that could also be viewed as a strength.

Sample Answer: I enjoy being at work and providing excellent quality care. I will usually do overtime or cover other’s shifts when asked and often stay late without being asked. This can mean I spend a lot of time at work and often need more time to work. So one of my biggest challenges is maintaining a good work-life balance.

Example #7: What is your strongest professional attribute?

Important Points to Address: Choose a skill that is listed in the job description. It is an excellent time to discuss your best qualities that are hard to include in other answers.

Sample Answer: One of my strongest professional attributes is my interpersonal skills. I am a strong communicator and active listener who can de-escalate conflicts, such as with uncooperative patients.

I can also deliver sensitive information in a way that is easier for patients and their family members to hear and understand.

Example #8: What do you like most about being a nurse?

Important Points to Address: Be sure to deliver this answer with optimism and confidence. You need to sound like you want to be a nurse.

Sample Answer: What I like most is the sense of fulfillment I get from helping people and knowing I can make a real difference. Every day is different. The range of situations allows me to develop new skills.

Example #9: Why did you apply for a role with this hospital (or clinic)?

Important Points to Address: It is important to show that you have researched the employer and that you actively chose this employer.

Sample Answer: When I was looking for a job, I carefully selected the places where I wanted to work. I looked for places with good reputations for the quality of care and work environment.

This healthcare institution is widely considered a great place to work. It has a reputation for valuing and helping its staff to develop and maintain their skills at a high level. It also has a reputation for providing excellent quality care.

Example #10: Why are you applying for this specific position?

Important Points to Address: Explain that you deliberately chose this role because it matches your skills. If possible, also state that you plan to be there for a long time.

Sample Answer: As a new nursing graduate, I chose the types of roles that I would apply for based on the areas I enjoyed most in my studies and clinical experience. This role and your organization are a great fit for my attributes and nursing skills.

I believe it is where I can provide value and grow from a student nurse to a senior role or leadership position. In time, I would like to become a nurse manager.

Example #11: What questions do you have for us?

Important Points to Address: Ask questions that show you have thought about the role, want to grow with the company, and are genuinely interested in the role.

Sample Answer: It is important to me to keep my skills current and develop my skills. Can you tell me about your professional development and/or study support options?

Is there any mandatory or facilitated training throughout the year?

Integrity and Values

Example #12: What would you do if a friend or colleague broke the procedure?

Important Points to Address: Any question about how you would respond to a breach in policy or procedure should always be addressed relating to the policies and procedures.

Sample Answer: First, I would alert them to the issue and suggest we complete the action correctly. Then, I would report it according to the relevant policy. I would note the context, intent, and if it was a repeat event, but the decision to respond would belong to the supervisor.

Example #13: How would you handle a disagreement with your supervisor?

Important Points to Address: Always state that you would follow instructions unless they were a breach of safety and that disagreements would be brought up later.

Sample Answer: Unless a supervisor directed me to do something that risked a patient’s immediate health or safety, I would always follow their instructions.

I would wait until an appropriate time to talk about it privately and suggest the approach I thought could produce a better result, explaining the benefits for the manager and the company.

Example #14: What is the most important attribute of a good nurse?

Important Points to Address: There are several core attributes for nurses. Ideally, try to list two or three to cover more key areas.

Sample Answer: I think two attributes are equally important, compassion and attention to detail. Attention to detail ensures that the quality of care is high and medications are administered correctly and safely. Compassion ensures that care is delivered in an empathetic, sensitive way.

Example #15: How do you protect patient confidentiality?

Important Points to Address: Privacy is of utmost importance in almost all jobs. The three rules in the below sample answer will always apply.

Sample Answer: First, never discuss patient details with visitors or third parties unless the patient has provided explicit permission according to the organization’s policies.

Second, never leave records, digital or paper copies, unattended or unsecured.

Third, don’t discuss matters with other staff unless work-related. This includes preventing others from breaching confidentiality.

Example #16: How would you respond if you had concerns about the competence or safety of care provided by a coworker?

Important Points to Address: If a coworker needs more training, raising this with a supervisor is the only way to address their shortcomings.

Sample Answer: If my concerns were directly about competence or safety, I would take special note of their actions that created concerns and assess what it was about them that concerned me.

If the concerns were objectively valid, I would confidently approach their supervisor and outline my concerns so they could address them.

Example #17: How do you respond to criticism and correction?

Important Points to Address: Everyone makes mistakes. An employer wants to know that you are open to learning from them.

Sample Answer: I remember that criticism is only sometimes negative. It can be constructive, helpful, and even positive. I step back and listen carefully to what the person has to say. I consider their feedback and ask questions if there’s something I don’t understand or need clarification on.

Example #18: Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond?

Important Points to Address: Even when providing a star-method response, try to keep responses concise.

Sample Answer: S: I was providing care for a patient with a history of diabetes. T: They often had unstable blood sugar and were highly insulin dependent. A: I taught them how their diet and exercise habits could effectively minimize their insulin dependence. R: They reduced their need for in-care and reliance on insulin by adopting lifestyle adjustments.

Example #19: What is your least preferred aspect of providing nursing care?

Important Points to Address: Similar to discussing a weakness, the aspect you dislike about nursing should be relatable and show how you are connected to the job personally.

Sample Answer: The hardest thing I find is the emotional toll the job can take when you see someone in pain. When a patient you have grown close to passes away, you just can’t help it. However, there are also many positive aspects, and helping just one person makes the job worth it.

Patient Care

Example #20: What do you know about providing _______ nursing care?

Important Points to Address: Take note of the unit or specialty you are applying to and refresh your knowledge about the specifics of providing this type of care.

Sample Answer: I am very experienced with this type of care and have had a passion for it since I first encountered it during my clinical experience. I have an intellectual fascination with it and read many medical journals and publications, so I am aware of the latest developments and standards of care.

Example #21: What is the hardest aspect of meeting a patient’s needs?

Important Points to Address: Questions like this are asked to ensure you understand the job’s challenges before hiring you.

Sample Answer: Balancing the quality of care, you provide to each patient with the available time and resources is the hardest part of the job. Spending more time with one patient means you have less time for the remaining patients.

Judging which patients need more care and which do not is a big challenge.

Example #22: How would you respond if you could not read a doctor’s or prescriber’s instructions for a patient’s medication or dosage?

Important Points to Address: It is important that any actions you take are reasonable and would be permitted within standard policies and procedures.

Sample Answer: I would review the electronic medication system to review if the medication had already been administered and if the previous dosage was noted. If not, I would find another nurse to ask if they could read the instructions.

If we couldn’t agree on the instructions, I would contact the supervisor on duty and ask them. If policy permits, I would strongly suggest contacting the prescriber to confirm what medication and dosage they wrote.

Example #23: Are you familiar with electronic medication administration and barcoding?

Important Points to Address: The best way to answer this type of question is to reassure that you are a competent and fast learner who will be able to learn their systems.

Sample Answer: Yes, I have experience working with electronic medication systems. I am highly competent with computers and digital technology. If I still need to become familiar with the system you have in place, I am confident that I will be able to learn it quickly and use it correctly.

Example #24: If we asked your last team, how would your coworkers describe you?

Important Points to Address: When asked, this question is a good opportunity to sell yourself and explain why you are the best candidate.

Sample Answer: If you asked my last manager or coworkers about me, they would tell you that I am a team player who puts the team’s success ahead of my priorities. I am always looking out for others and am happy to learn from them and share my knowledge to ensure everyone is always performing at their best.

Example #25: What is the most important part of being a team player?

Important Points to Address: To stand out, try and pick teamwork attributes often overlooked in most answers, such as reliability and accountability.

Sample Answer: A team is only as strong as its weakest link. Teams are successful because each person can help to overcome each other’s weaknesses. I think being reliable is a key part of being a team player. This means being on time and doing what you say you will do.

Example #26: If we asked your previous manager what was your worst mistake, what would they tell us?

Important Points to Address: If this question is asked, be honest. They will likely ask your previous supervisor this question during the reference-checking process.

Sample Answer: They would tell you about a time when I was a new nursing graduate. I didn’t want to ask how to use the lifting aids to move an immobile patient.

It resulted in the patient being stuck out of bed and could have injured the patient or me if I were unlucky. A senior nurse came to my aid and, after helping me, showed me how to use the lifting aids correctly.

I am humble now and always ask if I have any doubts about how to do anything.

Example #27: Do you prefer to work in a team or individually?

Important Points to Address: In most roles, you must be both a team player and capable of working independently.

Sample Answer: I enjoy both. I like that in a team. You can all work together, make up for each other’s shortcomings, and achieve more than any of you could. But I am also a motivated and dependable self-starter who can be relied on to work alone when necessary.

Example #28: What do you do when the entire team is stressed?

Important Points to Address: This question is about showing that you can be mindful of the team’s needs, and is not necessarily about what you do in the situation.

Sample Answer: Sometimes the environment is stressful, and everyone must push through. However, I always try to volunteer to take jobs of other team members I know they particularly dislike or that I am better at than others. I also try always to have a positive attitude and keep others upbeat if they get too stressed.

Example #29: How do you respond to coworkers who are constantly arriving late, leaving early, or taking long breaks?

Important Points to Address: This question can be difficult to answer. Some managers want you to show initiative, while others want to see that you would report it to a manager.

Sample Answer: If I notice a team member is unreliable, I would first check to see if they are burnt out or going through something at home that they need support with.

I’d then politely explain to them that the entire team relies on each other and that when they are late, it creates extra work and stress for the entire team.

Adapting to Changing Situations and Problem-Solving

Example #30: Have you ever had a patient have a negative reaction to doctor-prescribed medication? What did you do?

Important Points to Address: It is not uncommon for patients to sometimes have negative reactions to medication. It generally does not end too poorly, provided the medical staff responds quickly and appropriately.

Sample Answer: S: Yes, I once had a patient have a sudden change in condition shortly after administering their first dose of new meds. T: The patient had serious complications and had to be stabilized quickly. A: I pressed the call button and immediately declared the emergency while assisting. Once support arrived, we worked through immediate options while someone contacted the treating doctor. R: We stabilized the patient and worked with the doctor to find a better course of medications that wouldn’t have the same complications.

Example #31: What would you do if you were caring for a patient who had a sudden negative change?

Important Points to Address: You need to show that you have situational awareness and can think on your feet to respond to changes quickly.

Sample Answer: If a patient I cared for had a sudden change, such as going from alert to becoming confused or disoriented, I would alert my supervisor while noting their symptoms and assessing what sudden onset conditions may have arisen.

I would run through the relevant indicator checklist (such as the stroke checklist for a patient who was showing confusion and disorientation), notify their treating doctor, and follow both their and my supervisor’s instructions.

Example #32: How would you respond to an emergency while providing care?

Important Points to Address: Questions like this are designed to determine if you have a process and can think rationally through an emergency.

Sample Answer: First, I would raise the alarm by hitting the call button to ensure that assistance was on its way. I would then immediately render assistance as required while awaiting help to arrive. If applicable, I would then write a report and notify the nurse in charge of the event.

Example #33: Describe a time when you made a decision using your clinical judgment. What happened?

Important Points to Address: Try to choose an example where you exercised judgment but where you didn’t make too big of a decision, as this could scare a potential employer.

Sample Answer: S: I was working as an ICU nurse when a patient came in with a severe case of pneumonia and was put on a ventilator. After she had been in the hospital for about two weeks, her condition was worsening daily. T: She was constantly getting worse, and we needed to try something to stabilize her. A: I consulted with the doctor, and we decided to take her off the ventilator to see if she would stabilize without it. R: She did not stabilize, so we put her back on the ventilator, and she stabilized after that. It turned out that it wasn’t just pneumonia but also sepsis.

Example #34: How do you respond to changes in care standards or policies and procedures?

Important Points to Address: Policy and regulation are constantly changing, so you need to show that you understand how to adapt.

Sample Answer: The first step is to understand the change, why it was made, and its meaning. Then I ask how I will be affected by this change.

What new skills or tools will I need? And how will this affect my duties?

From here, I can take the necessary steps to implement the changes in my work.

Example #35: How do you stay up to date in your qualifications and skills?

Important Points to Address: You must show that you work to stay up-to-date and relevant in your field, as nursing practices are constantly changing.

Sample Answer: I follow my favorite nursing associations on social media. I also subscribe to several nursing magazines, so I am kept up to date on changes as they happen. When I see something that interests me, I will try to find training or conferences in my area to gain first-hand knowledge.

Example #36: How do you respond to a patient when you don’t have an answer?

Important Points to Address: As important as empathy is, being able to have discretion and tact.

Sample Answer: I try to always be honest with patients. If they’ve had a change in their condition, I will just say we don’t know, and we are waiting for the doctor.

If the doctor has already seen them, I will sometimes say, “your doctor said they’ve talked to you about your condition. I’m not qualified enough to add anything to what they have said.”

Example #37: Describe a time you had to change your caregiving practices. What did you do?

Important Points to Address: A change to caregiving doesn’t need to be a major change. It can be a simple adaption to the circumstances of just one patient.

Sample Answer: S: I was assigned to a patient who had a history of falls. T: I had to give this patient extra supervision as they couldn’t be trusted to stay still or follow prior instructions when unsupervised. A: I made sure that they were in the room with me at all times. I also ensured that my coworkers and supervisors were aware of this change in their care. R: While it slowed down my other duties, I was able to keep the patient safe and, at one time, managed to arrest a fall before they injured themselves.

Conflict Resolution

Example #38: Can you describe a time you had to interact with a difficult family member?

Important Points to Address: Difficult families and patients are common in nursing, and being able to respond calmly but with authority is an important skill to demonstrate.

Sample Answer: S: I remember when I was working at a hospital when a very angry older man came in. T: He approached the nurses’ station demanding to see his family member, who was currently in the ER. A: I sternly explained to him that non-medical personnel could not be in the ER and that there was no viewing area. The doctors were doing their best and would notify him as soon as there was news. I explained if he continued to be aggressive to staff, security or the police would be called to remove him. R: He reluctantly calmed down and agreed to take a seat until a doctor could give him an update.

Example #39: What would you do if you were assigned to work with a coworker you didn’t like?

Important Points to Address: Conflict management is a highly valued skill for nurses. Being able to show how you work with someone you don’t like is critical to landing the job.

Sample Answer: I have a process for working with coworkers that I don’t like. First, I try to find some common ground, something we agree on, even if it is just a love of coffee or a favorite sports team.

Second, I use clear and open communication to make sure we both know what the other is doing and responsible for so that we can reduce the opportunity for misunderstandings or conflict.

Example #40: How do you provide care for difficult patients?

Important Points to Address: You need to show a potential employer that you have what it takes to handle patients who are uncooperative with the care being provided.

Sample Answer: While I always try to be compassionate, if a patient is difficult, I will clarify my authority as the caregiver. To provide them with the maximum chance of a positive outcome from their treatment, it is of utmost importance that they follow all instructions given by doctors and nursing staff.

Example #41: Have you ever had to work with a doctor who was rude or unprofessional?

Important Points to Address: Many nurses experience doctors who do not treat them with respect. You need a way to address these issues without escalating or creating conflict.

Sample Answer: I have never had to work with a doctor who was rude or unprofessional. However, if I were ever to have that experience, I would address the issue directly with the doctor. I would explain my concern and ask them to be mindful of their behavior and/or tone.

Example #42: How do you address questions from a patient’s family or friends?

Important Points to Address: Liaising with third parties will happen a lot as a nurse. Employers will expect you to be able to answer inquiries appropriately.

Sample Answer: If a patient’s visitors ask me general questions about the facility, the care provided or visiting hours, etc. I will answer them directly as best I can. If they ask questions that breach patient confidentiality or that I can’t help with, I direct them to ask the patient’s doctor.

Time Management and Organization

Example #43: How do you make sure that all of your tasks are completed reliably and on time?

Important Points to Address: The unexpected will always happen, but there will also be critical duties that need to be done reliably. It is important to have a reliable system in place to ensure you don’t lose track of your day.

Sample Answer: I ensure that I always work from my to-do list of duties I am responsible for each shift. I work through them in a prioritized order, starting with things that cannot be delayed at all, then things that cannot be delayed to another shift, and leaving anything that could be left to another day till last.

This makes sure that if an emergency arises, I have as much time as possible available without impacting other critical duties.

Example #44: How do you stay organized?

Important Points to Address: Staying organized is critical for nurses, especially in the ER, ICU, or other fast-paced environments.

Sample Answer: The two ways I stay organized are routines and checklists. As much as possible, I do the same things at the same time each shift. This helps patients know what to expect but also reduces additional planning or thinking on my part.

I also work through a prioritized to-do list of my duties so that if anything comes up or I get called away, I can keep track of where I am up to and return to it.

Example #45: What do you do if something unexpected interrupts your rounds?

Important Points to Address: It is important to juggle competing demands and events when they arise while reliably doing your rounds.

Sample Answer: I stay calm and assess the situation if something unexpected interrupts my rounds. Then I ask the patient or their family if they need anything and if there is anything I can do to help. I make sure everyone knows where we are. Then I continue with my rounds.

Example #46: How do you regain control if a situation gets hectic or out of hand?

Important Points to Address: A good nurse has to be able to keep their head on during stressful times and make sure that they do everything possible to help those in their care.

Sample Answer: I try to always remain calm and collected. If a situation gets out of hand, I take a deep breath and focus on how to respond and what factors I can control. This helps me stay on track and return to taking care of my patients.

Communication Skills and Style

Example #47: How do you communicate with a team across language and cultural barriers?

Important Points to Address: While all staff will be able to speak English, staff from foreign backgrounds may have language difficulties, and effectively working around these is important.

Sample Answer: I have worked with many different people from various backgrounds and have never had an issue communicating. I try to be culturally sensitive and mindful of what might be offensive to other cultures.

As for language barriers, I simply try to keep to short, simple words and clear sentences with a single idea. When necessary, I will also write down what I am saying to ensure that important information isn’t missed.

Example #48: How do you ensure reliable communication of safety-critical information?

Important Points to Address: You need to show that you can communicate critical information, where a misunderstanding could result in injury or death reliably and effectively.

Sample Answer: I communicate safety-critical information by being clear and concise, and I ensure the recipient understands that what I’m saying is important. I will always stop and ask them to confirm that they understand and repeat it back to me, or if it’s a situation where they can’t talk to me, I’ll write down what it is they need to know.

Example #49: Are you a good communicator?

Important Points to Address: This question is more about your ability to confidently deliver a strong answer than the content of your answer.

Sample Answer: Yes, I am a good communicator. I have always been very good at communicating my ideas and feelings to others. I feel that communicating effectively is essential to being a nurse, and I am confident that I can excel at it.

Example #50: Can you tell me about a time you effectively educated a patient or their family?

Important Points to Address: This question is asked to understand your commitment to nursing and making a difference in the lives of your patients.

Sample Answer: S: In a previous role, I was nursing a patient with chronic high blood pressure. T: They did not know how to manage it properly. They had been on medication for a while, but it wasn’t working. A: I talked to them about why they weren’t responding well to their medication, and I explained how high blood pressure could lead to serious health problems if it isn’t managed properly. R: They asked a lot of questions, and we worked together so that we could make an action plan for how they would work with their specialist and implement lifestyle changes.

While the right answers can help land a job, a big part of success in a job interview is avoiding giving the wrong answers or raising red flags. By studying the job description before your interview, you can have a good idea of the types of questions that will be asked and practice your answers beforehand.

If you follow this advice and use these example answers as a starting point for your answers, you will be successful in finding your next nursing job.

Application deadline for pre-licensure programs: November 3rd, 2024.

How to Ace Your Nursing Job Interview: Questions, Answers & Tips

Posted on: Dec 25, 2021;

Job hunting in the nursing field can be quite stressful whether you’re a seasoned nurse or a new graduate. You have completed your education, you’ve polished your nursing resume , and you’ve sent in your application to the positions that have caught your interest. And now you wait.

When you get the call telling you you’ve moved to the next step of the process and are expected to come in for an interview, at first, you are beyond excited. You’re one step closer to your dream job! And then you start getting a little nervous because – let’s face it – nursing interviews can be the make-it-or-break-it part of the whole job search.

However, you needn’t worry. As daunting as they may first appear, nurse interviews are a lot less challenging if you come prepared. With the right amount of research and preparation, there’s nothing hiring managers can throw at you that will stop you in your tracks.

That’s why we’ve developed this comprehensive guide. We’ve gathered the most common nursing interview questions , some nursing behavioral interview questions , as well as specialty-specific questions . We have also included sample answers and many tips and tricks to ensure you pass the interview with flying colors .

Let’s dive in and help you get your dream nursing job!

Most Common Nursing Interview Questions:

When you go for a nursing interview, you need to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, abilities, and expertise. You ought to let your personality and experience shine. Your answers and your attitude must make it clear to the interviewer why you are the best candidate for the job. Make sure you present yourself in a good light, but at the same time, don’t exaggerate, or worse, lie during the interview. Showcase your strengths, explain what you’ve learned from past mistakes, and base your answers on personal experiences. It will set you apart from the competition.

Generally, during nursing interviews, hiring managers will ask general, behavioral, and situational questions. You can expect questions about your motivations, your ability to work in a team, your patient care expertise, and the soft and hard skills you bring to the table. You might receive questions that deal with hypothetical situations in the future and questions about past work experiences.

Before you panic, let’s explore some of the most common nursing interview questions and answer scenarios.

Why did you choose nursing in the first place?

Your future employers care about the driving force behind your decision to pursue an RN career. In addition to your education and training, your passion is what makes you a great nurse. When you love what you do, it will reflect in your work, your relationships with others, and the care you provide to your patients. So, when asked Why do you want to be a nurse? Healthcare managers are looking for a glimpse of the personal touch that sparked your interest in such a practical field.

How to answer: There are as many ways to answer this question as there are candidates for job postings. Each aspiring nurse bases their career choice on different factors: for some, it’s been a lifelong dream; others became a nurse for pragmatic reasons. Try to come up with an answer that will show why this line of work interests you and how your motivation can make you a better nurse.

Sample answer 1 : My goal has always been to find a career that challenges me while also allowing me to make a difference for the better in other people’s lives. Caring for others is one way for me to make that difference. And the diversity and unexpectedness of the nursing profession take care of the “challenging” part. So, I find that nursing gives me the chance to achieve my career goals. Sample answer 2: My interest in nursing goes way back to my childhood. My mother is a nurse, and I’ve never seen anyone more satisfied and more in love with what they do. It was inspiring to see her unwavering commitment to helping others and the joy she got every day from caring for others. So, from when I was young, I felt motivated to pursue a career in nursing. I am excited about both the challenges and the opportunities this field has to offer. And at the end of the day, it all boils down to me being able to make a difference, and that’s what makes nursing so important to me.

Why are you interested in this position?

This question gives you the chance to prove that you know what you want in a job. Employers take having specific goals as an indication of reliability – you’re less likely to dislike the job or leave it if you know precisely what you want from it. For that, you should review the job description carefully before the interview. Each organization and job may have different requirements, and your answers need to be tailored to each position. The examples you provide need to reflect a proper understanding of the job demands.

How to answer: After having done your background research, choose what you value most about this job. Talk about how this aligns with your goals and interests and what you bring to the table.

Sample answer: I have always enjoyed working with babies . I am most passionate about newborns and have always wanted a job that involves directly caring for the little ones. In my last job, I worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. I enjoyed it tremendously. I also found that I find no greater satisfaction or reward than providing care to babies. Now I would be very excited to narrow down the focus of my care. While I do love children of all ages, I think that working with newborns is my calling. That’s why I want to specialize as a NICU RN. And the excellent care you provide in this facility’s neonatal intensive care ward seems like the perfect place for me to grow in my career.

Why do you believe you are suitable for this role?

This question, or variants of it, such as Why should we hire you? What skills do you bring to the job? What makes you the best candidate for this position? is a favorite among interviewers. It gives you the chance to display your strengths, show that you’ve done your research about the role and the organization itself. It’s an opportunity for you to show clearly that you understand what the job entails and that you possess the skills to succeed at it.

How to answer: The response to this question should be rooted in your experiences. Still, you can use our sample answer as a springboard to draft your response.

Sample answer: In my last position, I had the opportunity to lead a small team of ICU nurses, and I enjoyed the chance to act as a team leader. I was often the liaison between the ICU nurses and other healthcare team members in our facility. This helped me develop my listening, communication, and interpersonal skills. So, when I came across the posting for this position, I realized that my training and experience match perfectly the job requirements and expectations you advertised. So, I do believe that I have what it takes to be a Shift Leader in your institution.

Describe a difficult situation and how you handled it?

How did you handle a difficult situation? is a question bound to appear during a nursing interview. Being a Registered Nurse is a notoriously difficult job. You’ll often have to deal with pressure and demanding situations. Crises are a part of the everyday routine. That’s why hiring managers want to see how you deal under pressure and whether you let tough situations get the best of you.

How to answer: When they ask this question, interviewers usually look for more than standard, trite responses such as “I can handle stress.” You’ll make a much better impression if you give examples from your career to date and share the lessons learned as a result.

Sample answer: By now, I know that nursing comes with its share of challenges and challenging situations, and I have learned to use the pressure to my advantage. One difficult situation in which I found myself was caused by a problematic patient. He was aggressive, raising his voice and getting angry. Instead of avoiding him, I tried to connect with him on a human level and find out the root of his behavior. I learned that only a couple of days ago, he had experienced some severe personal problems. This came at a time when his disease was worsening, and that led to his erratic outbursts. So, I tried to be empathetic and validate his feelings: “I understand why you may feel this way.” “Let me know if there is anything I can do to help make you feel better.” Once I connected with him and listened to him, he changed this attitude and became easier to work with. So, I realized once more that it’s usually pain and fear that cause the anger. Being patient, listening, and communicating well can make a significant difference.

Tell me about yourself.

One of the standard questions that might pop up during your nursing interview is Tell me about yourself . This is such an open-ended query, that you might wonder what employers expect to get from it. As easy as it may seem, this question is fundamental to interviewers creating an opinion of you.

Because nurses spend so much time at work, managers need to ensure a positive, efficient, and amicable work environment. One bad apple can spoil the barrel, and one negative coworker can negatively influence the entire staff. So, hiring managers use this question to get a glance at what kind of person you are. They want to see what you consider to be the most critical and pertinent information about yourself.

How to answer: Make sure you don’t simply give an overview of your resume. Also, don’t get too personal – examiners don’t need to know how many kids you have, your religion, or your personal opinions on political matters. Stick to being professional and mentioning things that are relevant to the job.

While there isn’t just one correct way of answering this question, you can potentially go with the past, present, and future strategy. You mention your past experiences, your current accomplishments and qualifications, and your hopes for the future.

Sample answer: I have worked as an Oncology Nurse for five years, providing compassionate care to many patients of all ages battling cancer. Still, I have always been drawn to younger patients. Fighting cancer is heartbreaking for everyone, but it’s tough for kids to understand and deal with the disease. I never want to stop becoming a better nurse, so I recently got my Pediatric Oncology Nurse Certification. Your facility is at the top among pediatric chemotherapeutic treatment centers in the country. And I want to be part of an institution whose mission I share so deeply: providing the highest quality care to sick children. I’m interested in establishing a career here and providing nursing care to the best of my ability.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This question can be pivotal in the interviewing process. There’s a fine line between coming off as arrogant and braggy or insecure and weak. You need to learn how to walk this line so that you’re neither singing yourself too much praise nor criticizing yourself unnecessarily.

How to answer: You can do better than going for the overused line “my biggest weakness is I work too much.” It also helps if you back up your strengths and weaknesses with examples from your previous experiences.

Sample answer: I would say my biggest strength is my ability to work well under pressure. My three years as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse have taught me how to manage the stress of the workplace efficiently, how to think clearly, and keep my cool even when it seems that nothing is going according to plan. Maintaining efficacy while under stressful conditions is one of my strongest suits as a nurse. Regarding weaknesses, I would mention that I sometimes get wrapped up in caring for my patients and spending so much time with them that I put on second-place the job-related administrative tasks. On occasion, I have postponed completing the paperwork as much as I could. But I understand how central to patient care is to have accurate records of the care we provide, so I am doing my best to break this habit. Instead of leaving all the paperwork for the end of the shift, I try to schedule a few minutes throughout the day when I update the paperwork. I had to learn to manage my time and tasks better, but I am a lot more efficient now.

How do you deal with a difficult coworker?

As a Registered Nurse, you’ll have to display an excellent capability to communicate well and productively with all healthcare team members. Miscommunications are bound to happen. Or maybe your coworkers will show a level of interest in the job that doesn’t match yours. Some colleagues may prove slightly tricky to work with. You need to handle difficult situations even if they aren’t the result of your actions. Your ability to do so is exactly what interests hiring managers when asking this question.

How to answer: When answering this nursing interview question, you need to highlight your interpersonal skills, your communication abilities, as well as your conflict resolution skills. Don’t forget to support your answers with examples.

Sample answer: I once worked with a nurse who didn’t have the best work ethic. She was often late for her shifts and seemed distracted at work. It made it quite tricky to work with her because we couldn’t rely on her 100% to be on time or top of her game. So, the first thing I did was talk to the nurse, explain my concerns about the quality of her work, and describe how her behavior affected the rest of the team. I asked her about what was causing her problems. That’s how I found out that she didn’t realize her personal life was affecting her work so much. It turns out when she was late, it was because she had to take her kids to school. She wasn’t offering the best performance at work because she was exhausted from all the responsibilities of being a single mother. When that information was out in the open, we could work together to change her shift schedule a bit to better fit her other responsibilities. That helped the entire team in the long run.

Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?

Nursing is a team sport. You share a working space with other nurses, and you must cooperate for the wellbeing of your patients. Collaboration is key for good patient outcomes, effective safety procedures, and increased job satisfaction. So, you shouldn’t be surprised when a question about the value of teamwork comes up during your interview.

How to answer: Interviewers are looking for collaborative skills for people who know the value of working together with other nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team. Emphasize these skills when answering questions related to teamwork.

Sample answer: I know that working as a nurse means working as part of a team, and I enjoy being part of a team. I find that we can motivate each other to stay focused and to become better nurses. I also know the value of proper teamwork and effective communication with members of the nursing staff. Once, a patient asked me to give him his medication, saying that his nurse forgot to. I knew the right thing to do was to check with my colleague first, which I did. She did not forget to give the medication to the patient; he was trying to fool me into giving him more. Working as a team, trusting the nurse, and communicating with her ensured the patient’s safety.

How do you deal with work stress?

Nursing is a very stressful line of work. Many nurses end up burnt out, hating their jobs, and wanting to quit – and that is not a desirable outcome for patients or the hospitals. Hence, hiring managers want to know that you are equipped to handle stress and have strategies in place to help you deal with the pressures of the workplace.

How to answer: Your answer must make it clear you know how to manage stress and that no challenging situation at work can get the better of you.

Sample answer: I know that stressful situations are bound to arise in nursing. In the Emergency Department, you never really know what the next moment will bring. That can be pretty taxing. But I think that accepting stress as part of the job allows me to get past it easier. When I find myself in a stressful situation, the first thing I do is take three deep breaths. It may seem like little, but it gives me the exact right amount of time to refocus my energy, gather my thoughts and concentrate all my attention on the task at hand. Stressful situations are less alarming when you tackle them directly.

Interview Questions Specific for Specialization:

In addition to the common and generic nurse interview questions, you will get questions that relate directly to your specialization and the job you’re applying for. An excellent strategy for answering these questions is to use the STAR format . What exactly is it, and how can it help you get through an interview question successfully? Let’s find out.

STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action Steps, and Results. Using this method, you can outline a comprehensive and structured answer to any behavioral question.

Situation: The first step is to think of a situation that relates to the question at hand.
Task : Here, you can mention your tasks and responsibilities in handling the above-mentioned situation.
Action : In this step, you get to highlight the actions you took, the skills you employed, the qualities you used to perform the task successfully.
Result: Detail the results and consequences of your actions. What lessons did you learn from it? How did you contribute to the success of the situation?

Using this method to answer nursing interview questions is a sure way to convey your experience and expertise in real-life nursing situations. You can employ this strategy regardless of the position you apply for or your nursing level.

Interview Question for Nurse Manager Candidates

When applying for a high management position, such as a Nurse Manager, you will undoubtedly receive questions about your leadership potential. One possible example is this: Tell us about a time that you were in a leadership position. Were you pleased with the results?

This question allows you to share an experience in which your leadership skills shone through. It will enable the interviewer to learn more about your leadership style and your interpersonal skills.

Interview Question for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse Practitioners generally act with much greater levels of autonomy than other RNs. Providing independent care within the scope of their practice is a huge responsibility, so future employers want to know that the quality of the care they offer is up to the highest standards. Thus, a potential nurse practitioner interview question would be: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond to help a patient and provide excellent patient care.

The way you answer this question will make evident what “exceptional care” means in your opinion. Going above and beyond for a patient will pinpoint your commitment and dedication. This question is a great way to highlight your skills and your passion for nursing.

Interview Question for ICU Nurses

Being a patient advocate is a central part of an RN’s job description. However, this skill is particularly important in the Intensive Care Unit environment. In the ICU, patients can communicate very little or not at all. They may be intubated and unable to communicate their wishes or needs. So, it’s up to the ICU nurse to act as a patient advocate in critical care situations. Hence, a behavioral question such as How have you been a patient advocate in previous positions? can be expected during the interview.

Make sure you give examples from your previous experiences but don’t include any details that would make it possible to identify the patient.

Interview Question for ER Nurses

Working in the ER is a complex position. The job is dynamic and often unexpected. But in addition to patients who are suffering and in pain, ER nurses must be experts at dealing with and educating the patients’ family members. A common nursing question for ER nurses would be: Have you ever had to deal with distressed, uncooperative family members? How did you handle this situation?

It’s tough for families to stand by and keep their cool while their loved ones are suffering. So, an additional layer of responsibility for the nurse is to communicate with the family, to offer them honest, clear, and straightforward updates. This interview question is a chance to show that you can take care of the family just as much as the patient.

Interview Question for Mental Health Nurses

Nurses who work in mental health areas must deal with a lot of distressed or problematic patients. Hiring managers want to see if you have the attitude and caregiving skills to succeed at this demanding job. What is the best approach to dealing with difficult patients? this is a question that can help them find that out.

When answering, describe a case from your career in which you handled a particularly difficult patient. Talk about the process of dealing with them, about the skills you used, such as compassion, fairness, active listening, and so on.

Interview Question for NICU Nurses

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a coveted spot for nurses who love working with newborns. At the same time, the NICU can be a very emotional and delicate work environment. An essential part of a NICU Nurse’s job is dealing with distressed, overwhelmed parents who are extremely worried about their child’s condition. A situational question you may be asked during the interview is How do you deal with a parent who’s in emotional agony over their child’s conditions and keeps breaking hospital regulations to be close to their baby?

Answering this question lets the interviewer know you have respect for hospital regulations, empathy for the parents, and still, your focus is unwaveringly on the wellbeing of the baby.

Interview Question for Oncology Nurses

In Oncology departments, nurses must handle a lot of confidential information. That’s why it’s imperative for hiring managers to employ nurses who treat ethical guidelines with respect and responsibility. They may ask: How do you maintain your patient’s privacy and get them to trust you with such confidential information?

Your answer needs to reflect your knowledge of the hospital’s policy on sharing information and examples of your trustworthiness and high moral standards as a nurse.

Interview Question for LPN Nurses

One common interview question for LPNs is Where do you see yourself in five years? Through this question, the interviewer wants to see your professional objectives and what actions you are going to take to meet those goals.

An ambitious employee who wants to continue advancing their nursing career and education is a significant asset for healthcare organizations.

Interview Question for New Graduate Nurses

Especially for nurses right from the school benches, the first job interviews can be more stressful. But, if you come in prepared, the interview process will seem less daunting. Because you may not have as much hands-on clinical experience as some seasoned nurses, one question you can expect is related to your education. How have your clinical rotations prepared you for a career in nursing? is one sample question.

Talking about your clinical rotations gives you a chance to talk about the skills you’ve gained and procedures you have learned that you can now bring into the job.

Questions to Ask the Employer

One of the most important parts of the interview process is when the employer asks: Do you have any questions for me? And it would be best if you had a few questions prepared. It’s a chance to learn more about the facility, unit, the job itself, or the workplace culture. Saying you don’t have any questions might make you appear uninterested or unmotivated. Here are some questions that you, as a candidate, can ask in a nursing interview:

How long does orientation for new employees last, and what does it imply?
What would a typical day on the job look like?
What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in your facility?
How do you measure performance in this institution?
Do you offer opportunities for continuing education?
What career growth opportunities do Registered Nurses have in this organization?
What are the next steps in the interview process?

You should ask at least one question during the interview. It will help you get a better sense of what is expected of you. Also, it shows that you’re willing to go that extra mile to find information about the job and the company.

Tips and Tricks to Ace the Nursing Interview

The importance of preparing for a nursing interview cannot be overstated. You want to put your best foot forward and impress the hiring managers. Here are some tips on how to ensure your success during the interview:

Get familiar with the role you’re applying for, the job description, and the organization itself. Your answers will indicate if you’ve done your research beforehand and know precisely what you’re signing up for. You don’t want to show up to the interview unsure about the position you’re pursuing.
A mock interview may help. You can ask your friends or family for help with this. Having a simulated discussion before your actual one can help prepare and relieve some of the stress. Also, practicing your answers aloud is a great way to find out if your answers feel natural.
Don’t try to memorize your answers. Preparing in advance for some questions and jotting down some talking points is a fantastic idea. But don’t overdo it. You don’t want your answers to sound unnatural and over-rehearsed.
Show up on time . Or better yet, get to the interview place a few minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time to find the building, the floor, or the interviewing room. You don’t want to keep the interviewer waiting – it’s unprofessional.
Dress appropriately. Wearing professional attire is a sign that you take the job seriously. Jeans, scrubs, clothing that’s inappropriate or too casual, as well as perfumes that are too overpowering, are not encouraged.
If you have a phone interview , make sure you choose a place that has a great connection and isn’t too loud. Try to avoid any distractions that could divert your attention during the interview.
Don’t let stress get the better of you . Make sure you sleep well, eat, and hydrate before your nursing interview. If you feel anxiety creeping in, take a few deep breaths.
Send a thank-you note after the interview.

Are You Ready for the Job of Your Dreams?

The secret to acing nursing interviews is preparation. Combine your enthusiasm with a little bit of research and effort, and you are bound to impress the interviewer. Make sure you answer truthfully and transparently. Base your answers on examples and lessons learned along the way. Be open. And most importantly, let your love for nursing and your passion for helping others shine through.

You’ve already passed so many hurdles in your nursing career. You finished nursing school, passed the NCLEX, dealt with tough patients, and lived through some challenging work situations. This interview is just one more little thing you must conquer on your way to your dream job! You got this! Good luck!

IntelyCare for Healthcare Facilities > Resources > Nurse Hiring > 7 Essential Oncology Nurse Interview Questions to Ask

7 Essential Oncology Nurse Interview Questions to Ask

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Oncology nurses provide life-saving cancer treatment to patients in need. They’re specially trained to administer chemotherapy medications, monitor for adverse effects, and manage symptoms in patients at all stages of the cancer continuum. If you’re looking to hire one of these specialized RNs, crafting well-written oncology nurse interview questions is the first step to finding someone with the compassion and competence for the job.

In this article, we’ll outline seven critical oncology nursing interview questions — and answers candidates may provide — to help you find a nurse with the qualifications and skills necessary for the role. We’ll also list follow-up questions you can ask that can give you further insight into a candidate’s professional history or clinical interest.

Before organizing your interview questions, it’s important to perform background research into the oncology nurse job market. Conducting a review of oncology nurse salaries, scheduling options, and benefits packages on our job board can ensure your application entices the most competitive applicants. Specify your organization’s unique needs in your oncology nurse job description to ensure that the candidates who apply are qualified and interested in the role.

You can also download the following oncology nurse candidate evaluation form, which will help you to assess and compare candidates throughout the interview process.

Oncology Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Oncology nurses work in a variety of settings, including acute care hospitals , cancer treatment centers, and outpatient clinics. Be sure to tailor your questions to suit your facility’s patient population and acuity level.

For example, pediatric oncology nurse interview questions would differ significantly from radiationoncology nurse interview questions. It’s essential that you maximize your time with each candidate and ask for information and details that are relevant to your facility’s unique needs.

1. How did you become interested in oncology nursing?

While this may seem like a basic introductory question, a candidate’s answer can reveal a great deal about their passion and professional interests. After the nurse responds, be sure to share information regarding any awards or accolades your team has earned. Using a back-and-forth conversation style can help break the ice and encourage thorough and honest responses throughout the interview.

What to listen for:

Clear, open, and honest communication
Professional body language, strong eye contact, and obvious enthusiasm about the profession and the candidate’s own career

Potential follow-up questions:

Have you previously worked in another clinical department? What made you decide to switch specialties?
How has your education and previous experience prepared you for this job?

2. What skills and attributes make you most qualified for this role?

Answers to this question can show whether a candidate is aware of what it takes to be an oncology nurse . They also show whether the nurse researched your facility’s acuity and patient population. Do they know the job duties of oncology nurses at your facility, and are they aware of the basic workflow of your unit? You should be able to glean this type of information in a candidate’s answer.

Understanding of essential oncology nurse qualities like compassion, teamwork, empathy, and attention to detail
A mix of clinical skills and behavioral traits that show the candidate could mesh well with your current staff
Do you have any previous nursing leadership experience?
Describe a time when you disagreed with a coworker. How did you handle the situation?

3. How do you build rapport and trust with your patients?

Oncology nursing is unique because many patients require periodic care on a weekly or monthly basis. It’s essential to welcome patients to your facility at the start of their therapy sessions, as their attendance and satisfaction scores may depend on how they feel treated by your staff.

Prioritization of patient comfort, dignity, and respect
Thorough understanding of the tenants of person-centered care
Treating pain is a common duty of oncology nurses. What are some ways you relieve pain or discomfort in your patients?
Have you ever had a patient who refused treatment? How did you handle the situation?

4. How do you tailor patient education to address each individual’s needs?

As patient teaching is essential to providing safe oncological care, this is one of the most frequently asked oncology nurse interview questions. Answers may provide insight into a candidate’s ability to “meet patients where they’re at” and can highlight their assessment skills, cultural competence , and bedside manner.

Understanding of various teaching approaches , including written communication, verbal communication, and hands-on demonstration
Ability to cater teaching to each patient’s age, culture, primary language, and education level
Do you have experience working with patients whose first language isn’t English? How would you go about ensuring their understanding?
Explain how you would use the teach-back method to describe how to care for a mastectomy incision.

5. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision under pressure.

Nursing is fast-paced, so it’s important that your nurse candidate is able to keep their cool even during an emergency. This is a great way to assess if the interviewee has the prioritization and decision-making experience necessary for success.

Ability to remain calm and composed, even in times of stress
Use of multidisciplinary teamwork to work through complex or challenging situations
How would you go about alerting the medical team to a critical change in a patient’s status?
What has been your proudest moment as a nurse?

6. Have you ever made a mistake on the job? How did you work to resolve the issue?

Mistakes happen, even for careful and competent staff members. Answers to oncology nurse interview questions like this one should focus more on what the candidate did to correct the mistake and limit harm, rather than lingering on the mistake itself or blaming the patient or a coworker.

Early notification of the problem to the attending doctor and senior unit management
Prioritization of patient safety over protecting pride or self-interest
Have you ever been a part of a shared governance committee or nursing research team?
How do you support your coworkers when they’re having a busy or tough shift?

7. Oncology nursing can be stressful. How do you find peace during a busy or upsetting shift?

Oncology nursing, like other specialities, can be emotionally draining. With nurse burnout at an all-time high and employee retention being a consistent challenge, it’s important that facility leaders ascertain a candidate’s ability to manage the stress and emotional difficulties that come with providing compassionate care.

Understanding of the importance of self-care
Familiarity with healthy coping mechanisms, both on the job and on days off
What does work-life balance mean to you?
Do you have any more questions for me today before we finish up?

Find the Qualified Healthcare Professionals You Need

Crafting tailored oncology nurse interview questions is a great way to ensure that you’re hiring a top tier candidate, but sometimes the most challenging part of the process is finding high-quality candidates to apply. Posting your vacancies on our healthcare hiring board can help you reach over 1 million qualified professionals who are ready to work.

Top 7 advice nurse interview questions to ask, 7 key nicu nurse interview questions to ask, 7 key charge nurse interview questions to ask, 7 key endoscopy nurse interview questions to ask, top 7 interventional radiology nurse interview questions to ask, related jobs, reach 1 million+ nursing professionals, with the intelycare job board.

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A guide (login required) published by AMN Healthcare Physician Solutions, formerly known as Merritt Hawkins, explores how to assess a medical practice opportunity through eight essential steps.. Step five in the process covers this very topic. It outlines how to go about ensuring the employer has a clearly written work schedule with patient volume and on-call expectations.

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30 Common Nursing Interview Questions & Answers

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Teamwork

1. Describe a situation when you had to work closely with a difficult coworker. How did you handle the situation? Were you able to build a relationship with this person?

2. Talk about a conflict within your healthcare team. What was the conflict, and how did you handle it?

3. Describe a time when you were particularly proud of your healthcare team. What was your role in this situation?

4. Tell me about a time you stepped into a leadership role.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Patient Care

1. Tell me about a time when a patient’s family was dissatisfied with your care. How did you handle that situation?

2. What approach do you take in communicating with people who do not know medical jargon? Give an example of a time you explained medical terminology to someone who is not medically trained.

3. Describe a time you provided effective patient or family education.

4. Talk about a time a patient or their family was particularly pleased and appreciative of your care.

5. Give an example of a time you had to interact with a hostile patient. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

6. Describe a time you were faced with a patient who chose not to communicate or disclose important information. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Adaptability

1. Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it?

2. Describe a time when your facility was undergoing some change. How did that impact you, and how did you adapt?

3. Tell me about a time when you didn’t know the answer to something at work. How did you go about finding the information?

4. Give me an example of an awkward situation at work. How did you remove yourself from the situation?

5. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with this situation?

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Time Management

1. Talk about a time you worked in a fast-paced setting. How do you prioritize tasks while maintaining excellent patient care?

2. Describe your experience with a very ill patient who required a lot of your time. How did you manage this patient’s care while ensuring your other patients were adequately cared for?

3. Talk about a time when you felt overwhelmed with your work or patient load. What did you do?

4. Give an example of an important goal you set for yourself. Did you accomplish that goal? How did you ensure that you accomplished it?

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Communication Style

1. Give an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade a patient to agree to something. How did you persuade this person?

2. Tell me about a time when you had to rely on written communication to explain yourself to your team or to a patient.

3. Talk about a time when you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?

4. Describe a time when you received negative feedback and turned it into something positive.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Motivation and Core Values

1. What is one professional accomplishment that you are most proud of and why?

2. Have you ever felt dissatisfied with your work as a Nurse? What could have been done to make it better?

3. Describe a time when you went over and above your job requirements. What motivated you to put forth the extra effort?

4. Give an example of a mistake you’ve made. How did you handle it?

5. What do you find most difficult about being a Nurse? How do you overcome this difficulty?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Onboarding

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Mentoring

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Culture

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Professional Development

Sample Questions for New Nursing Graduates

Other Important Questions You May Want to Ask

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How to Prepare for Your Nursing Interview

2. Practice answering as many interview questions as you can out loud

3. Research the institution thoroughly

4. Arrive at least 20 minutes or more before your interview starts

5. Bring a great attitude

Phone Interviews

Zoom Interview Tips

1. Dress professionally as if you were going to a face-to-face interview

2. Make sure your background is set up nicely

3. Keep it quiet

4. Set up your Zoom space and practice the day before

5. Ensure a good internet connection

6. Practice with a friend

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Interview Questions

22 Common Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

Frequently Asked Nursing Interview Questions

2. What interested you in this job?

3. Tell me about yourself

4. Tell me about your educational background

5. What type of work environment do you prefer?

6. What clinical areas have you worked in?

7. What do you find most rewarding about being a Nurse?

8. Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

9. How do you deal with stress at work?

10. What do you feel is the most difficult part of working as a Nurse?

11. Why are you looking to leave your current job?

12. What are your greatest strengths as a Nurse?